Proposal to increase the price and subsidy for warfarin (Marevan)
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to increase the price and subsidy from 1 August 2013 for the Marevan brand of warfarin through a provisional agreement with GlaxoSmithKline NZ Limited.
Feedback sought
PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Wednesday, 3 July 2013 to:
Sue Anne Yee
Therapeutic Group Manager
PHARMAC
PO Box 10 254
Wellington 6143
Email: sueanne.yee@pharmac.govt.nz
Fax: 04 460 4995
All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.
Feedback we receive is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) and we will consider any request to have information withheld in accordance with our obligations under the OIA. Anyone providing feedback, whether on their own account or on behalf of an organisation, and whether in a personal or professional capacity, should be aware that the content of their feedback and their identity may need to be disclosed in response to an OIA request.
We are not able to treat any part of your feedback as confidential unless you specifically request that we do, and then only to the extent permissible under the OIA and other relevant laws and requirements. If you would like us to withhold any commercially sensitive, confidential proprietary, or personal information included in your submission, please clearly state this in your submission and identify the relevant sections of your submission that you would like it withheld. PHARMAC will give due consideration to any such request.
Details of the proposal
- The price and subsidy for all presentations of the Marevan brand of warfarin tablets would be amended in Section B and in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 August 2013 as follows (expressed ex-manufacturer, excluding GST):
|
Chemical |
Presentation |
Brand |
Pack size |
Current price and subsidy |
Proposed price and subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Warfarin sodium |
Tab 1 mg |
Marevan |
100 |
$5.69 |
$6.86 |
|
Warfarin sodium |
Tab 3 mg |
Marevan |
100 |
$8.00 |
$9.70 |
|
Warfarin sodium |
Tab 5 mg |
Marevan |
100 |
$9.64 |
$11.75 |
- Marevan would have protection from subsidy reduction and delisting until 31 July 2016.
Background
Warfarin is a blood-thinning agent used to treat and prevent blood clots. Marevan is one of the two brands of warfarin currently funded in New Zealand, the other being Coumadin. The Marevan brand is used by the majority of patients.
The two brands of warfarin are not bioequivalent and careful clinical monitoring is required if switching between brands.
The supplier of Marevan has provided notice to PHARMAC that it intends to increase the price of its product. This proposal would ensure that Marevan remains fully funded, reducing the likelihood that patients would need to switch brands in order to obtain a fully funded product, and it would ensure continuity of supply of Marevan.