This is the text extract for Consultation on a proposal to enable Cystic Fibrosis patients to access hypertonic saline (sodium chloride 23.4% and sterile water) for use in a nebuliser, browse documents here.

19 September 2007 To All Pharmaceutical Suppliers, Hospital Pharmacists, Medical Groups and Interested Parties Consultation on a proposal to enable Cystic Fibrosis patients to access hypertonic saline (sodium chloride 23.4% and sterile water) for use in a nebuliser. PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to enable Cystic Fibrosis patients to access hypertonic saline (sodium chloride 23.4% and water) for use in a nebuliser. This proposal requires alterations to the listing of sodium chloride 23.4% injection and water purifies for injection, as well a change to the General Rules relating to sterile diluents for nebulising solutions. Details of the proposal are as follows: · Sodium chloride inj 23.4% will be subsidised for use in a nebuliser (changes in bold):

SODIUM CHLORIDE Inj 23.4%, 20 ml - May be diluted to 4-7% solution for use in a nebuliser

·

Water purified for injection will be subsidised for use in nebulising solution by patients with cystic fibrosis (changes in bold):

WATER 1) On a prescription or Practitioner’s Supply Order only when on the same form as an injection listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule requiring a solvent or diluent; or 2) On a bulk supply order; or 3) When used in the extemporaneous compounding of eye drops.; or 4) When used in nebulising solution by patients with cystic fibrosis and the prescription is endorsed accordingly

·

General rule 2.2.15 regarding sterile diluents for nebulising solutions will be altered as follows (changes in bold):

2.2.15 sterile diluents for nebulising solutions unless specified in Sections B to G of the Schedule that they may be used in such a form;

If approved by the PHARMAC Board, or Acting Chief Executive under Delegated Authority, it is anticipated that the proposed amendments would be implemented from 1 December 2007. PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. If you wish to make comments regarding this proposal for the PHARMAC Board to consider when making its decision, please forward them to Erin Murphy at PHARMAC by 5pm, Friday, 12 October 2007. If you have any questions regarding this proposal, please contact Erin Murphy on (04) 916 7512 or by email: erin.murphy@pharmac.govt.nz.. Yours sincerely

Erin Murphy CF Panel Co-ordinator

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