Bríd Smith
Ceist:301. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to the prescription of a medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62848/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 15 December 2022
Ceisteanna (301, 317, 388)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:317. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if any progress is being made to make the medication cariban reimbursable when prescribed by a pregnant mother’s GP, as opposed to a pregnant mother’s consultant, as this would make cariban more accessible during early pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62892/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Patrick Costello
Ceist:388. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will allow a consultant to prescribe cariban, pyridoxine and doxylamine; and if his Department will engage directly with organisations (details supplied) and other expert bodies on the best way to implement same to maximise patient care. [63097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 301, 317 and 388 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.