This is the text extract for 2008-11-18 - Funding of a new brand of adrenaline (1:1000) injection notification, browse documents here.

18 November 2008

Funding of a new brand of adrenaline (1:1000) injection

Proposal summary PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of the funding of Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Limited’s brand of adrenaline 1 in 1,000, 1 ml solution for injection (Aspen Adrenaline). Aspen Adrenaline will be available fully subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Schedule and under a Practitioner’s Supply Order (PSO). Details of the Decision Aspen Adrenaline will be listed in Sections B and H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule with effect from 1 December 2008 as follows (with up to 5 injections available on PSO): Pharmaceutical Name (Brand) Adrenaline (Aspen Adrenaline) Strength and Form 1 in 1,000, 1 ml solution for injection (ampoule) Proposed price and subsidy

Pack Size

5 x 1 ml ampoules

$4.98

(The price is ex-manufacturer, exclusive of GST)

Feedback Received This listing was the subject of a consultation letter dated 2 October 2008. We appreciate all the feedback that was received and acknowledge the time that people took to respond. The consultation responses raised the following issues: Issues raised in consultation In 2007 there was a national shortage of adrenaline 1:1000. A second supplier would be an advantage for this product. Recommendations against sole supply were received. PHARMAC Comment

Competition between pharmaceutical companies is important to PHARMAC’s activity. A move towards sole supply is not currently under consideration. The fact that adrenaline is an important emergency medicine would be considered carefully should sole supply such a move be considered in future. A second supplier is problematic because While two brands of adrenaline will be having only one brand of adrenaline available and funded, clinicans and DHB’s results in easy recognition and less could choose to only stock one brand. confusion. Information regarding the vial colour was The colour of the vial is brown (or "dark"). requested as there have been some near Its actual description is Ampoule, glass, misses involving product selection errors Type I, dark glass, 1 ml, serigraphed exacerbated by the similar appearance of ampoule marked with break-ring. the current adrenaline ampoules to other products. 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).