Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:104 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the actions he will take in connection with an increase of over 1000% in the price of Eltroxin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16398/01]
Written Answers. - Medical Products.
In order for any item of medicine to be included in the common list of items reimbursable by the State under the community drug schemes it must comply with a list of criteria. These range from the uses for and licensing of medicines to the pricing of products. One of the criteria stipulates that the product must hold a current product authorisation. In this regard, Eltroxin is the only thyroxine product with a current Irish product authorisation.
The manufacturers of Eltroxin notified this Department of their intention to introduce a 28 pack size in respect of Eltroxin 50mcg and 100mcg as a substitute for the 1,000 pack size. From 1 June 2000, there were no more bulk packs of Eltroxin 50mcg and 100mcg, 100s and 1,000s, available on the Irish market. This method of dispensing is a direct result of a European directive which changed the method of dispensing from a bulk pack to a dispensing patient pack. This directive made it a requirement that all prescriptions must be supplied with a label and a patient information leaflet. The manufacturers of the product have confirmed that, in the main, the increase in price is due to the cost of packaging materials and labour. The pricing is in line with the currency converted UK price from where Eltroxin is imported.
In view of the demand for and importance of this product, the Department deemed it appropriate to accept the revised arrangements.