Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the reason medical card holders can no longer receive the prescription Osteole 1500mg on their medical card; the reasons this item was removed from the list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43847/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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In the current financial environment the Health Service Executive (HSE) is facing a challenge to deliver services in a way that will minimise any adverse impact on patients and continue to protect, as far as possible, the most vulnerable citizens. Unfortunately, it has become necessary for the HSE to suspend certain products from its list of reimbursable items, including glucosamine.

Glucosamine (Osteole) is indicated for the management of symptoms of osteoarthritis. The National Centre for Pharmoeconomics (NCPE) has assessed the cost-effectiveness of glucosamine on two occasions and concluded that it did not offer value for money to the HSE. However, glucosamine products are available over the counter without prescriptions.