Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 an alternative is available to patients in need of this medication. [51207/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. There are no alternative glucosamine products available under the Community Drugs Scheme. However, these products are available over the counter without prescriptions.