Pharmac beware: Cheapest drugs not always the best

new-zealand-national-party

Mon Jan 15 2007 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)

Pharmac beware: Cheapest drugs not always the best

Monday, 15 January 2007, 9:45 am
Press Release: New Zealand National Party

Pharmac needs to weigh up cost, quality and track record when it makes decisions about the 247 drugs currently out for tender, warns National’s Associate Health spokeswoman, Dr Jackie Blue (Pharmacare).

In its tender document Pharmac says it will accept a sole supply contract for the Salbutamol inhaler, used to treat asthma.

“This is a case of history repeating itself,” says Dr Jackie Blue.

In 2005 Pharmac introduced a sole supply contact with a generic salbutamol inhaler, Salamol, replacing Ventolin, which had been the cornerstone of asthma treatment for decades.

“Many asthmatics suffered with the switch.

“A report published in the New Zealand Medical Journal in August 2005 has outlined the numerous concerns asthma experts have with Salamol.

“Concerns included the fact that:

The alcohol content in Salamol was enough to fail a road side breath test;

Children were reluctant to use it because of the taste;

Children were being unnecessarily exposed to alcohol;

And the inhaler had a tendency to block, thereby failing to deliver medication.”

“A further report supported concerns that Salamol was less effective than Ventolin.

“Following the up-roar in 2005, Ventolin was brought back, with patients prepared to pay a part charge rather than risk their health

“Despite last time’s colossal failure with a sole supply contract with Salamol, Pharmac is again willing to put thousands of asthma sufferers at risk, just to save a few cents.

“When will Pharmac learn?”

Ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from New Zealand National Party on InfoPages.