This is the text extract for NRT GPs Notification letter, browse documents here.

NRT (GUM, PATCHES AND LOZENGES) TO BE SUBSIDISED ON PRESCRIPTION FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2009 Prescribing of NRT From 1 September, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) will be subsidised via prescription (it is currently only subsidised via Quit Cards). We recommend that you use a prescription instead of a Quit Card. However, if the patient co-payment is going to be more than $3 per type of NRT then a Quit Card may be more appropriate (the co-payments for Quit Cards are $3 per type of NRT). Funded Quantity 8 weeks of NRT will be subsidised per prescription in one 4-week quantity with one repeat (8 weeks in total) ie. if you write a prescription for eight weeks, the pharmacist will automatically dispense this in two four weekly lots. The New Zealand Smoking Cessation Guidelines (2007) indicate that an 8 week course for a quit attempt is as efficacious as a 12 week course. In addition, the current Quit Card scheme funds 8 weeks of NRT per quit attempt. The prescription quantities may be reviewed at a later date. Further information and resources Enclosed with this letter is an ABC for Smoking Cessation reference card and a patient information sheet to help you answer any questions your patients may have. More patient information sheets may be ordered via www.pharmaconline.com. If you have any questions or require further information, you can call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50. Sincerely,

Peter Moodie Medical Director

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