Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to widen access to the urate-lowering medicine, febuxostat, for gout sufferers.
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body. When uric acid levels become too high, urate crystals can form in and around the joints, leading to painful gout attacks that can cause sudden swelling, redness, and severe pain.
Febuxostat is a urate-lowering medicine that works by reducing the production of uric acid, helping to dissolve existing urate crystals and prevent new crystals from forming. Taking febuxostat can help prevent gout attacks and reduce the risk of long-term joint and kidney damage caused by ongoing crystal build-up.
Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals, Geraldine MacGibbon, said that currently, people must trial two other medicines, allopurinol and probenecid, before becoming eligible for funded febuxostat.
This proposal would remove the requirement to trial probenecid, she said.
“Pharmac has heard there is strong desire to make febuxostat more widely available for people with gout, because febuxostat only needs to be taken once a day and its dosing can be easier to adjust compared with probenecid. We estimate the proposed changes would mean an additional 5,500 – 7,300 more people per year would access febuxostat,” said Ms MacGibbon.
Associate Health Minister, David Seymour welcomed the Pharmac proposal.
“Improving access to medicines in New Zealand is important to patients and their families. That’s why it has been a focus for this Government,” Mr Seymour says.
“Approximately 6% of adult New Zealanders are affected by gout and many are not able to manage their symptoms with diet and/or use of other medicines.
“Taking febuxostat can help prevent gout attacks and reduce the risk of long-term joint and kidney damage caused by ongoing crystal build-up.
Consultation is open until midnight Wednesday 30 September.
Pharmac says all feedback received by the closing date will be considered before a final decision is made.
Have your say here: https://consultations.pharmac.govt.nz/medicines/febuxostat.
