This is the text extract for Proposal to widen access to losartan; Closing Date: Closed; Contact: Stephen Woodruffe, browse documents here.

1 June 2011

Proposal to widen access to losartan

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to remove the Special Authority restrictions that currently apply to losartan and losartan with hydrochlorothiazide from 1 December 2011.

Feedback sought PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Friday, 17 June 2011 to: Stephen Woodruffe Therapeutic Group Manager PHARMAC PO Box 10 254 Wellington 6143 Email: stephen.woodruffe@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 Subsidised access to losartan and losartan with hydrochlorothiazide is currently subject to the following Special Authority restriction:

SA0911 Special Authority for Subsidy Initial application – (ACE inhibitor intolerance) from any relevant practitioner. Approvals valid without further renewal unless notified for applications meeting the following criteria: Either: 1 Patient has persistent ACE inhibitor induced cough that is not resolved by ACE inhibitor retrial (same or new ACE inhibitor); or 2 Patient has a history of angioedema. Initial application – (Unsatisfactory response to ACE inhibitor) from any relevant practitioner. Approvals valid without further renewal unless notified where patient is not adequately controlled on maximum tolerated dose of an ACE inhibitor. Initial application – (Patient had an approval for Losartan with hydrochlorothiazide prior to 1 May 2008) from any relevant practitioner. Approvals valid without further renewal unless notified where the treatment remains appropriate and the patient is benefiting from treatment.

PHARMAC has recently awarded a tender to losartan and losartan with hydrochlorothiazide. As a result of the significant price reductions achieved through this process, PHARMAC considers that the Special Authority restriction for losartan and losartan with hydrochlorothiazide is no longer required, and proposes to remove it from 1 December 2011.

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