Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1216. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm if the drug nadolol, which is used to treat long OT syndrome, has been taken off the drugs payment scheme. [46838/13]
View answerTuesday, 5 November 2013
Questions (1216, 1217)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1217. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health his position regarding the shortage of the drug nadolol, which is used to treat long OT syndrome, as there is only one wholesaler that imports the drug from the USA and the wholesaler in question has no stock of the drug left. [46837/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1216 and 1217 together.
Nadolol is provided to patients under the Unlicensed Medicines Protocol when clinically necessary. The HSE had agreed an administrative price of approximately €80 but earlier this year was informed that the price would increase significantly. Where the product is prescribed by or on the recommendation of a consultant, arrangements are made for patients to access it at an increased price which is currently in the order of €300. There is more than one wholesaler involved in sourcing unlicenced products for the Irish market. The HSE is not aware of any cases, at the moment, where patients cannot access this drug.