Seanad debates

Thursday, 28 January 2016

Commencement Matters

Drugs Payment Scheme

10:30 am

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State.

Sativex is a new add-on treatment option indicated for multiple sclerosis, MS, patients with moderate to severe resistant spasticity symptoms, that is muscle rigidity spasms. Sativex contains the active substances THC and CVD, extracted from herbal cannabis cloned plants at a 1:1 ratio. Sativex was issued a licence by the Health Products Regulatory Authority in Ireland on 18 July 2014, shortly after new regulations were signed to enable authorised cannabis based medicinal products to be legally prescribed by physicians. The Irish health technology assessment was evaluated by the National Centre for Pharmaeconomics and the company which provides the product was surprised and disappointed at the subsequent decision not to recommend Sativex for reimbursement at the price submitted. There is plenty evidence to show this drug assists people with MS. Many people are looking to use it to assist them. As the Minister of State is aware, once a person has MS there is no going back. One thing we can do is try to make sure they enjoy a normal way of living by providing pharmaceuticals and medications that can assist them. Those who have MS and who would benefit from this drug are disappointed it is not included in the drugs refund scheme. It is in that context I raise the matter.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.