This is the text extract for Lignocaine urethral syringe endorsement decision; Contact: Notifications, browse documents here.

26 October 2011

Approval of proposal to amend the access criteria for lignocainecontaining urethral syringes

PHARMAC has approved a proposal to add an endorsement restriction to the listings of lignocaine gel 2%, 10 ml urethral syringe (Pfizer) and lignocaine gel 2% with chlorhexidine 0.05%, 10 ml urethral syringe (Pfizer) in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 December 2011, as follows: Subsidised only if prescribed for urethral or cervical administration and the prescription is endorsed accordingly. This proposal was the subject of a consultation letter dated 3 October 2011 which can be found on PHARMAC’s website at www.pharmac.govt.nz/2011/10/03. As explained below, one change was made to the proposed wording of the endorsement following consultation. Note that from 1 December 2011 all Bulk Supply Orders (BSOs) and Practitioners Supply Orders (PSO) will also need to be endorsed to confirm that the lignocaine-containing urethral syringes will only be used for urethral or cervical administration in order for the BSOs and PSOs to be subsidised.

Feedback received We appreciate all of the feedback we received and acknowledge the time people took to respond. All consultation responses received by 17 October 2011 were considered in their entirety in making a decision on the proposed changes. Most responses were supportive of the proposal. One responder requested that, in addition to urethral administration, the subsidy also be made available for cervical administration, in particular to facilitate difficult intrauterine device insertions. After considering this response cervical administration was added to the permitted subsidised uses in the endorsement restriction.

More information If you have any questions about this decision, you can call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.

A462067 - T11-590