EmailHospital Circular 05/1999
Date Issued:
11 June 1999
Publication: 5/1999
Contact: Head Office
Distribution: Public Hospitals
Subject: Highly
Specialised Drugs Program
Purpose: To
provide information on changes to the Highly Specialised Drugs Program
We have had recent advice from the Commonwealth on a number changes concerning drugs on the Highly Specialised Drugs Program. Details of the changes are set out below.
1. NEW DRUGS
Lamivudine (Zeffix)
| Code | Pack size | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6257H | Tablet, 100mg | 28 | $119.50 |
Patients with chronic Hepatitis B who: have evidence of chronic hepatitis B on liver biopsy except patients with coagulation disorders; are E antigen positive and/or HBV DNA positive and have had evidence of chronic hepatitis B for at least 6 months; have an ALT greater than twice the upper limit of the laboratory reference range on 3 occasions over a period of 6 months; are not persons with Child's class B or C cirrhosis (ascites,variceral bleeding, encephalopathy, albumin less than 30g/L, bilirubin greater than 30micromoles/L); are not pregnant, not lactating, or are practicing an adequate form of birth control; would be likely to attend regularly for treatment and follow-up; and take no more than 7 standard alcoholic drinks per week.
EFFECTIVE SUBSIDY DATE: 1 JULY 1999
2. NEW FORMULATIONS
| 6256G | Intravitreal implant, 4.5mg | 1 | $6000 |
Treatment of sight-threatening cytomegalovirus retinitis in severely immunocompromised patients.
EFFECTIVE SUBSIDY DATE: 1 JULY 1999
Please Note: The Commonwealth acknowledge that the criteria for use of Lamivudine and Interferon for Hepatitis B differ and advise that PBAC are reviewing this with a view to standardising criteria where possible. Also, Lamivudine to treat Hepatitis B is only approved for the 100mg tablet and not other formulations.
Please find attached the relevant pages to revise Appendices 2, 3 and 8 of the Commonwealth/State Highly Specialised Drugs Program Guidelines. Please update your guidelines with the attached pages.
Please note Commonwealth/State Highly Specialised Drugs Program Guidelines can be found on the internet either through the Department of Human Services Home page (Acute Health), or directly on the Commonwealth/State Highly Specialised Drugs Program Guidelines website. Any changes notified by hospital circular will be immediately updated in the Guidelines on the internet.
DR
C W BROOK
DIRECTOR
ACUTE HEALTH
