Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2022
244. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify that the cost of cariban, the treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum, can only be reimbursed if prescribed by a consultant; if reimbursement can also be given if prescribed by the person’s GP; if this is not the case, if it can be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62378/22]
View answer249. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the reason that only consultant prescriptions for cariban for patients with hyperemesis gravidarium are reimbursable; and if this will be reviewed given that most pregnant persons present to their GP with symptoms in advance of appointments with their maternity consultants. [62395/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 249 together.
As part of Budget 2023, I announced €32.2 million in funding for Women’s Health Initiatives in 2023, to include dedicated funding for Cariban® (doxylamine/pyridoxine). Cariban® is an Exempt Medicinal Product i.e. not licensed with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland. Following the recommendations of the HSE Medicines Management Programme, this product will be made available on an individual patient basis for those patients who meet the criteria under Community Drug Schemes (GMS, DPS) from January 2023 where Consultant Obstetrician initiated.
Under Community Drug Schemes, Exempt Medicinal Products must be Consultant initiated. However, whilst the original prescriber is a Consultant and specialist in the relevant field, the HSE will accept a GP prescription further to the initial hospital prescription for approved patients.
