Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
480. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of appeals that have been lodged due to the removal of the Versatis pain patch as a pain treatment for certain persons; the number of these appeals that have been denied and successful, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12103/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2016, the HSE Medicines Management Programme reviewed the use of the plasters. The review estimated that only 5-10% of prescribing had been for the licensed indication.
Following the clinical review, and in the interest of ensuring appropriate patient care, the HSE introduced a new reimbursement approval system for the patches from 1 September 2017. This process supports their appropriate use, ensuring that post-shingles patients continue to receive this treatment.
As of 16 March 2018, there have been 5,504 online applications from GPs requesting the reimbursement of Versatis. Of these applications, 1,059 patients (over 19%) have been approved.
526 online appeals have been made, and over 69% of these patients have been approved. The MMP has sought further information on 38 appeals before a recommendation on reimbursement can be made.
Since 1 September 2017, some 1,421 patients have been approved for the reimbursement of lidocaine plasters, based on the clinical case made by the GP.
It is clear that this new process supports appropriate use and prescribing and both post-shingles patients and other appropriate cases can continue to be treated with lidocaine plasters.
The introduction of the new approval system was flagged in August 2017, when details of the proposed changes were circulated by the HSE to prescribers and pharmacies. This advice has been re-issued recently, and information for patients and practitioners is on the HSE Medicines Management Programme website. (www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/medicines-management/lidocaine-plaster/).
This reimbursement decision is a matter for the HSE. However, I fully support the objectives of the HSE Medicines Management Programme
