Proposal to list various respiratory aerosol inhalers supplied by Rex Medical Ltd
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list four brands of respiratory aerosol inhalers, resulting from a provisional agreement formed between Rex Medical Ltd and PHARMAC.
In summary, this proposal would result in the following additional brands of certain aerosol inhalers being fully funded in the Community and able to be used in DHB Hospitals:
- Floair HFA (fluticasone propionate);
- RexAir HFA (fluticasone propionate with salmeterol);
- Meterol HFA (salmeterol); and
- SalAir (salbutamol).
Feedback sought
PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Monday, 2 March 2015 to:
Christine Chapman
Therapeutic Group Manager
PHARMAC
PO Box 10 254
Wellington 6143
Email: christine.chapman@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
It is proposed that, from 1 October 2015 the following products would be listed in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule at the following prices and subsidies (ex-manufacturer and ex-GST):
| Chemical | Presentation | Brand | Pack size | Price and subsidy 1 October 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluticasone | aerosol inhaler50 mcg | Floair HFA | 120 dose OP | $7.50 |
| Fluticasone | aerosol inhaler 125 mcg | Floair HFA | 120 dose OP | $13.60 |
| Fluticasone | aerosol inhaler 250 mcg | Floair HFA | 120 dose OP | $27.20 |
| Fluticasone with salmeterol | aerosol inhaler 50 mcg fluticasone with 25 mcg salmeterol | RexAir HFA | 120 dose OP | $37.48 |
| Fluticasone with salmeterol | aerosol inhaler 125 mcg fluticasone with 25 mcg salmeterol | RexAir HFA | 120 dose OP | $49.69 |
| Salbutamol | aerosol inhaler 100 mcg | SalAir | 200 dose OP | $3.80 |
| Salmeterol | aerosol inhaler 25 mcg | Meterol HFA | 120 dose OP | $26.46 |
- A confidential rebate, ending on 31 May 2017, would apply to Floair HFA, RexAir HFA and Meterol HFA which would reduce the net price of those treatments.
- From 1 June 2017, FloAir HFA, RexAir HFA and Meterol HFA would be listed with reduced prices and subsidies (i.e. the net price and the list price would be the same).
- Floair HFA, RexAir HFA, SalAir and Meterol HFA would have subsidy and delisting protection until 1 February 2019.
Background
The following brands of aerosol inhalers with the same chemicals are already listed in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule:
- Flixotide (fluticasone) – fully funded
- Seretide (fluticasone with salmeterol) – fully funded
- Serevent (salmeterol) – fully funded
- Respigen (salbutamol) – fully funded
- Salamol (salbutamol) – fully funded
- Ventolin (salbutamol) – part funded