This is the text extract for Proposal to list pegfilgrastim (Neulastim) on the Discretionary Community Supply list. Closed., browse documents here.

28 May 2009

Proposal to list pegfilgrastim (Neulastim) on the Discretionary Community Supply list

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list pegfilgrastim on Part IV of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule (Discretionary Community Supply). In summary, this proposal would enable hospital physicians, at the discretion of their DHB Hospital, to prescribe pegfilgrastim to patients for use in the community. Feedback sought PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by 4 pm on Monday, 15 June 2009 to: Kyle Reid PHARMAC PO Box 10 254 Wellington 6143 Email: kyle.reid@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. Details of the proposal § Pegfilgrastim (Neulastim, inj 6 mg per 0.6 ml prefilled syringe) would be listed on the Discretionary Community Supply (DCS) list from 1 August 2009. A DCS listing would enable each DHB Hospital to determine which patients would be treated with pegfilgrastim in the community setting rather than filgrastim. The listing of pegfilgrastim in Part IV of Section H would be subject to the following restriction: Indefinite supply for any appropriate indication for the management of patients with cancer. Background On 1 March 2009, as part of a multi-product agreement with Roche, pegfilgrastim was listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule, resulting in a reduction in the effective price of pegfilgrastim through a discount on invoice.

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Following this listing, PHARMAC sought clinical advice from the Cancer Treatments Subcommittee of PTAC (CaTSoP) on the appropriateness of listing pegfilgrastim on the DCS list. CaTSoP considered that it would be appropriate for pegfilgrastim to be available as a DCS product to enable DHB Hospitals to dispense pegfilgrastim in place of filgrastim where appropriate. Pegfilgrastim is indicated for the reduction in the duration of neutropenia, the incidence of febrile neutropenia and the incidence of infection as manifested by febrile neutropenia in patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignancy (with the exception of chronic myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes). Pegfilgrastim is a longer acting version of filgrastim; therefore, fewer administrations are required. Pegfilgrastim is administered once, approximately 24 hours after chemotherapy, whereas filgrastim is administered daily for up to 14 days.

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