Compounding data for antiepileptics

Request dated 15 May 2019 for information relating to compounded suspensions for epilepsy.

10 June 2019

[Name and contact details redacted]

Dear [Name redacted]

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Thank you for your request dated 15 May 2019 under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) for information relating to compounded suspensions for epilepsy.  You asked for:

  1. How many scripts are written, on an annual basis, for the compounding of epilepsy molecules into a suspension?
  2. How many scripts are written. for clobazam tablets specifically, to be compounded into a suspension?
  3. I have been advised that because clobazam tablets are currently funded, the compounded suspension is therefore also funded – is this correct?
  4. And what is the dollar level to which a compounded suspension of clobazam is funded?

The answers to questions 1, 2 and 4 are set out in the attached spreadsheet. [XLSX, 25 KB] Please note that we can only provide information on dispensings from a community pharmacy that have been claimed. This does not include prescriptions written but not claimed or preparations compounded in a public hospital.

Regarding question 3, pharmacists may compound a solid dose form of clobazam into a suspension provided the requirements in Part 7 – Compounds and Mixtures of our Pharmaceutical Schedule Rules are met. Oral liquid mixtures are funded for patients unable to swallow subsidized oral formulation. Rule 7.3 sets out the circumstances where an oral liquid is not funded.

Regarding question 4, we have provided the drug costs for compounded clobazam suspensions. These costs do not include GST or any applicable rebates. The costs do not include service fee payments to pharmacists for compounding and dispensing. Information on service payment fees can be found on the TAS website.(external link)

We trust that this information answers your queries.  We are making our information more freely available, so we will now publish selected OIA responses (excluding personal details) on our website.  Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about this.

Yours sincerely

[Alison Hill's signature]

Alison Hill
Director, Engagement and Implementation