Bernard Allen
Question:226 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to review his Department's guidelines which limit the supply of viagra tablets to four per month to medical card holders. [23225/99]
Written Answers. - Viagra Tablets.
Bernard Allen
Question:227 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to his Department in 1998 and to date in 1999 arising from the supply of viagra to medical card holders. [23226/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.
Sildenafil (Viagra) did not receive a marketing authorisation until late 1998 and has been available on the general medical services (GMS) scheme and the community schemes since 1 July 1999. The drug has been made available in accordance with the recommendations of the expert group which I established to monitor the prescribing of Sildenafil (Viagra) and to recommend a prescribing protocol and controls which, while ensuring that patients with genuine medical need can obtain the drug, would also protect against possible misuse. I have no plans to review the current reimbursement arrangements.
Figures relating to the cost of Sildenafil (Viagra) since it was made reimbursable on the general medical services (GMS) scheme are not yet available.