This is the text extract for 23-10-2008 - Notification of Goldshield Levothyroxine subsidisation, browse documents here.

23 October 2008

Goldshield levothyroxine subsidised from 1 November 2008

PHARMAC is pleased to announce that the Goldshield brand of levothyroxine will be fully subsidised from 1 November 2008. Details of the decision From 1 November 2008, the Goldshield brand of levothyroxine, supplied by Boucher & Muir, will be listed in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule at the following prices and subsidies:

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

We understand that stock of the Goldshield product will be available to pharmacies in time for 1 November 2008. Feedback received This proposal was the subject of a consultation letter dated 30 September 2008. We appreciate all of the feedback that we received and acknowledge the time people took to respond. All consultation responses received by 14 October 2008 were considered in their entirety before making a decision on the proposal. Theme Some responders requested that PHARMAC investigate listing lower strength tablets or an oral liquid formulation for paediatric patients. Response PHARMAC notes that alternate day dosing of levothyroxine can achieve smaller dosing increments, and that extemporaneous compounding of levothyroxine is possible. However, PHARMAC remains open to listing alternative presentations of this product. PHARMAC remains open to the possibility of listing of other presentations and brands of levothyroxine.

Some responders requested that PHARMAC also consider listing the Synthroid brand of levothyroxine.

More information If you have any queries about these changes, please contact the PHARMAC helpline on 0800 66 00 50 (9 am to 5 pm weekdays).