This is the text extract for Consultation on proposal to list Goldshield levothyroxine, browse documents here.

30 September 2008

Proposal to subsidise an additional brand of levothyroxine

PHARMAC and Boucher & Muir (New Zealand) Limited have signed a provisional agreement relating to the listing of the Goldshield brand of levothyroxine (also referred to by its British Approved Name, thyroxine) in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule. The Goldshield brand is currently not approved by Medsafe. This proposal is provisional on the product gaining approval. If it does so, then stock of the new product would be available in early November 2008. Details of the proposal Should the Goldshield brand of levothyroxine receive regulatory consent by Medsafe, it would be listed in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule as soon as practicable, at the following prices and subsidies (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST):

Chemical Levothyroxine Levothyroxine Presentation Tab 50 µg Tab 100 µg Brand Goldshield Goldshield Pack size 28 28 Proposed price and subsidy $1.71 $1.78

This proposal does not involve any changes to the subsidisation of the Eltroxin brand of levothyroxine. Should the proposal be accepted, stocks of Goldshield thyroxine would likely be available in the New Zealand market in the first week of November; however we would make further announcements closer to the time once more specific timelines are available. Feedback sought PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback please submit it in writing by 4 pm on Tuesday 14 October 2008 to: Sean Dougherty Therapeutic Group Manager PHARMAC PO Box 10 254 Wellington 6143 Email: sean.dougherty@pharmac.govt.nz Fax: 04 460 4995

All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or Chief Executive acting under delegated authority) prior to making a decision on this proposal.

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