Te Pātaka Whaioranga – Pharmac has confirmed today that
it will be fully funding the EpiPen brand of adrenaline auto
injectors from 1 February 2023, which will benefit thousands
of New Zealanders.
“We are pleased to be able to
share that adrenaline auto-injectors will be funded for
anyone who has previously experienced a severe allergic
reaction, known as anaphylaxis, or anyone who is at
significant risk,” says Pharmac’s director of operations
Lisa Williams.
“Funding adrenaline auto-injectors
will improve the quality of life for thousands of
individuals who have allergies, their caregivers and
whānau. We estimate that there will be around 12,000 people
accessing adrenaline auto-injectors in the first year of
funding, increasing to 17,000 people per year after five
years,” says Ms Williams.
“Pharmac would like to
acknowledge everyone who summited feedback on the
consultation,” says Ms Williams. “The responses were
supportive of funding and offered suggestions to make sure
that everyone eligible can access them. This feedback has
made sure adrenaline auto-injectors will make a considerable
difference to people’s lives.”
One change we have
made, after considering feedback about the diversity of
patient pathways and the risk of inequities, is to allow
access criteria applications for funding (which includes
assessment of anaphylaxis risk) by any relevant practitioner
rather than by a specialist. We consider this better
reflects the multi-disciplinary nature of our healthcare
system and will support more equitable access to adrenaline
auto-injectors for those who need them.
Allergy New
Zealand’s chief executive Mark Dixon says, “We are
delighted with Pharmac’s decision and recognise everyone
who has worked so hard to raise awareness of the need for
this funding. We know the hugely positive impact it will
make on the lives of the thousands of New Zealanders living
with the risk of anaphylaxis. On their behalf we are
grateful and look forward to working with Pharmac to ensure
all communities have equal access and knowledge to benefit
from this decision.”
“We were really pleased to
share this decision with Allergy New Zealand and look
forward to working with them to help New Zealanders benefit
from this treatment,” says Ms Williams. “We are working
to be faster, clearer, and simpler with our funding
decisions. Today’s decision is one of many that we’ve
made this year and we’re pleased to say there are more to
come.”
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