‘Good News’ For Kiwi Women As PHARMAC Funds Utrogestan From Today

The end of a decade-long wait

Pharmaco
(NZ) Ltd welcomes the start of PHARMAC funding for
Utrogestan® (micronised progesterone), which begins today.
The funding means thousands of Kiwi women now have access to
this medication, which when combined with an oestrogen can
help reduce menopausal symptoms.

Utrogestan is
indicated for Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT – also known
as HRT) alongside oestrogen in postmenopausal women with an
intact uterus. In reviewing the application for funding, the
PHARMAC Endocrinology Subcommittee noted that providing
wider access to Utrogestan could help address the lack of
treatment for patients who cannot tolerate currently funded
options. The subcommittee also noted the health risks and
health needs of Māori and Pacifica women who are at an
increased risk of early menopause.

The start of
funding of progesterone has been welcomed by Christchurch
endocrinologist Dr. Anna Fenton, who says:
“This decision by PHARMAC provides more equitable access
to a form of progesterone which is identical to the body’s
natural form. Menopause is not a quick process and for many
women it can have significant impact on their quality of
life. This announcement now allows women to potentially have
greater choice and access to medication that may meet their
needs. It is really good news.”

Christine
Ivers, Head of Digital and Marketing
at Pharmaco (NZ) Limited, adds: “The growing body
of science shows that use of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT
– previously known as HRT) can potentially help improve
quality of life and may be associated with fewer women
having severe symptoms that can impact on their ability to
work.

We therefore encourage women to speak to their
GPs if they think they are experiencing symptoms of
menopause. They can then explore how newly funded medicines,
such as Utrogestan, might help benefit their quality of
life.”

Notes to Editors:

About
Utrogestan

UTROGESTAN IS A PRESCRIPTION
MEDICINE

Utrogestan is a soft capsule containing 100
mg of progesterone.

Utrogestan capsules are for use in
combination with oestrogen in post-menopausal women with an
intact uterus (womb), for hormone replacement therapy. For
oral use only.

Do not use Utrogestan if you have an
allergy to any medicine containing progesterone. Do not use
Utrogestan if you have any of the following conditions:
unusual vaginal bleeding, severe liver problems, known or
suspected cancer of the breast or genital tract, blood
clots, bleeding on the brain, porphyria. Do not take
Utrogestan if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
or if you are breastfeeding.

Further information on
the risks and benefits of this medicine can be found in the
Consumer Medicines Information (CMI). Please refer to www.medsafe.govt.nz
or your pharmacist for a copy of the
CMI.

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