This is the text extract for Approval of funding for Dr Reddy’s Risperidone, browse documents here.

30 September 2009

Approval of funding for Dr Reddy’s Risperidone

PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of an agreement with Dr Reddy’s New Zealand Ltd to fund a new brand of risperidone tablets (Dr Reddy’s Risperidone). Details of the decision Dr Reddy’s Risperidone will be listed in Section B and in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 December 2009 at the following prices and subsidies (exmanufacturer, excluding GST):

Pharmaceutical Risperidone Risperidone Risperidone Risperidone Brand Dr Reddy’s Risperidone Dr Reddy’s Risperidone Dr Reddy’s Risperidone Dr Reddy’s Risperidone Form and Strength Tab 1 mg Tab 2 mg Tab 3 mg Tab 4 mg Pack Size 60 60 60 60 Price and subsidy $6.00 $11.00 $15.00 $20.00

In addition, Dr Reddy’s Risperidone 0.5 mg tablets will be listed in Section B and in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule at a price and subsidy of $1.17 per pack of 20 tablets as soon as possible following Medsafe approval. No subsidy or delisting protection will apply to Dr Reddy’s Risperidone. Feedback received We appreciate all of the feedback that we received and acknowledge the time people took to respond. Most responses were supportive of the proposal; however some responders asked about the bioequivalence of Dr Reddy’s Risperidone and whether stabilised patients could remain on their current brand given that there will be multiple brands of risperidone funded. Dr Reddy’s Risperidone, like the other funded generic risperidone brands, has met the standards required by Medsafe to gain registration in New Zealand, including the requirement to demonstrate bioequivalence versus Risperdal. Because of this, we expect that people will experience the same clinical benefit from any funded brand of risperidone. We note that this decision to fund an additional brand of risperidone will not require patients to change brands as all other currently funded brands will remain fully funded at this time. However, if clinicians have concerns about a particular patient they can ensure that the patient continues on their current brand by specifying this on the prescription. More information If you have any questions about this decision, you can call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.

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