This is the text extract for Notification of CSL proposal, browse documents here.

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4 December 2009

Solifenacin (Vesicare), mesalazine (Asamax) and hydrocortisone preparations funding approved

PHARMAC is pleased to announce that the approval of a supply agreement with CSL Biotherapies for solifenacin (Vesicare), mesalazine (Asamax) and various hydrocortisone preparations. This was the subject of a consultation letter dated 23 October 2009. In summary, the effect of the decision is that: • • • • • solifenacin (Vesicare) will be fully funded, subject to Special Authority restrictions, as a second-line treatment for patients with overactive bladder; the Asamax brand of mesalazine 500 mg long-acting tablet will be fully funded without restrictions; the price and subsidy will be reduced for hydrocortisone butyrate products (Locoid Lipocream, Locoid Ointment, Locoid scalp lotion and Locoid Crelo); the price and subsidy will be reduced for hydrocortisone with natamycin and neomycin (Pimafucort); and the above products will have various periods of subsidy and/or delisting protection.

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.

Details of the proposal Solifenacin Solifenacin (Vesicare) will be listed in Section B and Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule at the following prices and subsidies (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST) from 1 January 2010:

Chemical Solifenacin Solifenacin Formulation Tab 5 mg Tab 10 mg Brand Vesicare Vesicare Pack size 30 30 Price and subsidy $56.50 $56.50

Solifenacin will be subject to the following Special Authority restriction:

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Special Authority for Subsidy Initial application from any relevant practitioner. Applications valid without further renewal unless notified where the patient has overactive bladder and a documented intolerance of oxybutynin.

Vesicare will be subject to a confidential rebate arrangement and will have protection from delisting and subsidy reduction until 1 January 2013. Mesalazine A new brand of mesalazine (Asamax) will be listed in Section B and Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule at the following price and subsidy (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST) from 1 January 2010:

Chemical Mesalazine Formulation Tab EC 500 mg Brand Asamax Pack size 100 Price and subsidy $49.50

Asamax will have protection from delisting until 1 July 2012.

Hydrocortisone butyrate The prices and subsidies (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST) for hydrocortisone butyrate will be reduced in Section B and Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 January 2010 as follows:

Chemical Hydrocortisone butyrate Hydrocortisone butyrate Hydrocortisone butyrate Hydrocortisone butyrate Hydrocortisone butyrate Formulation Brand Locoid Lipocream Locoid Lipocream Locoid Locoid Crelo Locoid Pack size Current Price and subsidy $5.00 New Price and subsidy $2.30

Lipocream 0.1%

30 g OP

Lipocream 0.1%

100 g OP

$15.00

$6.85

Ointment 0.1% Milky emulsion 0.1% Scalp lotion 0.1%

100 g OP

$15.00

$6.85

100 ml OP

$15.00

$6.85

100 ml OP

$7.52

$3.65

The above Locoid products will have protection from delisting and subsidy reduction until 1 July 2013.

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Hydrocortisone with natamycin and neomycin The prices and subsidies (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST) for hydrocortisone with natamycin and neomycin will be reduced in Section B and Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 January 2010 as follows:

Chemical Hydrocortisone with natamycin and neomycin Hydrocortisone with natamycin and neomycin Formulation Crm, hydrocortisone 1% with natamycin 1% and neomycin sulphate 0.5% Oint, hydrocortisone 1% with natamycin 1% and neomycin sulphate 0.5% Brand Pack size Current price and subsidy New price and subsidy

Pimafucort

15 g OP

$4.40

$2.79

Pimafucort

15 g OP

$4.40

$2.79

Pimafucort will have protection from delisting and subsidy reduction until 1 July 2013.

Feedback received We appreciate all of the feedback that we received and acknowledge the time people took to respond. All consultation responses received were considered in their entirety in making a decision on the proposal. Responses were generally supportive of the proposal. One response highlighted that Asamax is not indicated for small bowel Crohn’s disease and therefore Pentasa and Asmax should not be considered interchangeable. We note that Asamax will be defined and listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule using a different presentation than Pentasa. Prescribers are advised to refer to Medsafe’s website for information on the two data sheets.

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