EmailHospital Circular 21/2001
Date Issued: 8 October 2001
Publication: 21/2001
Distribution: Public Hospitals
Subjects: Highly Specialised Drugs Program
Purpose: To advise hospitals involved of a number of changes to the Highly Specialised Drugs Program
We have had recent advice from the Commonwealth on a number of changes to the Highly Specialised Drugs Program. Details of the changes are set out below.
1. Add Items
Abacavir Sulfate with Lamivudine and Zidovudine (Trizivir)
Treatment of HIV infection in patients over 12 years of age, weighing 40kg or more, with CD4 cell counts of less than 500 per cubic millimetre, or viral load of greater than 500 per cubic millimetre, or viral load of greater than 10,000 copies per mL.
| 6327B | Tablet 300mg (base), 150mg - 300mg, 60 | $852.00 |
Darbepoetin Alfa (Aranesp)
For the treatment of anaemia requiring transfusion, associated with chronic renal failure.
| 6320P | Injection 10 micrograms in 0.4mL pre-filled syringe, 4 | $187.41 |
| 6321Q | Injection 20 micrograms in 0.5mL pre-filled syringe, 4 | $352.96 |
| 6322R | Injection 30 micrograms in 0.3mL pre-filled syringe, 4 | $482.87 |
| 6323T | Injection 40 micrograms in 0.4mL pre-filled syringe, 4 | $586.10 |
| 6324W | Injection 50 micrograms in 0.5mL pre-filled syringe, 4 | $724.62 |
| 6325X | Injection 60 micrograms in 0.3mL pre-filled syringe, 4 | $850.87 |
| 6326Y | Injection 100 micrograms in 0.5mL pre-filled syringe, 4 | $1379.21 |
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
For the prevention and treatment of rejection in liver transplant recipients;
For the prevention and treatment of rejection in renal transplant recipients.
| 6328C | Capsule 500 micrograms, 100 | $184.80 |
Effective: 1 November 2001
2. Price Decrease
Desferrioxamine Mesylate (BL)
| 6270B | Powder for injection 2g vial, 1 | $39.60 |
Effective: 1 November 2001
3. Add / Amend Note
Desferrioxamine Mesylate (Desferal) (BL)
ADD NOTE: A brand premium of $0.40 applies to Desferal 2g brand
Desferrioxamine Mesylate (Desferal) (BL)
AMEND NOTE TO: A brand premium of $8.19 applies to Desferal 500 mg brand.
Effective: 1 November 2001
4. Change in Drug Form
Interferon Alfa - 2b (Roferon-A)
Change from multi-dose vial to single dose vial.
| 6218G | Solution for injection 18,000,000 i.u. in 3mL single dose vial |
| 6219H | Solution for injection 25,000,000 i.u. in 2.5mL single dose vial |
Effective: 1 November 2001
5. Amend Indication
Interferon Alfa
- 2a (Roferon-A)
Interferon Alfa - 2b (Intron A, Intron A Redipen)
Lamivudine (Zeffix)
Change patients with chronic hepatitis B, criteria two, from:
(2) Abnormal serum ALT levels in conjunction with documented chronic hepatitis B infection (repeatedly HBe antigen positive and/or HBV DNA positive);
Change to:
(2) Abnormal serum ALT levels in conjunction with documented chronic hepatitis B infection (HBe antigen positive and/or HBV DNA positive);
Effective: 1 November 2001
6. Deletion
Interferon Alfa - 2b (Intron A)
| 6233C | Injection set containing 1 vial powder for injection 30,000,000 i.u. $281.07 and 1 vial solvent 2mL, 1 |
These drug forms have been discontinued by the manufacturer.
Effective: 1 November 2001
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Any changes notified by hospital circular will be updated in the Guidelines on the internet and the relevant claim forms amended. Pharmacists are encouraged to check Victoria's Highly Specialised Drugs Program website to ensure they are using the correct claim forms or to request updated copies by Fax on 03-9616 7764. |
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End of Financial Year Audit of Highly Specialised Drugs Program Please note that certified statements of Hospital Audits for the 2000/2001 HSD Program were due by 30 September 2001. Please
send Audit Certifications to: |
DR C W Brook
Director
Acute Health
