THE Department of Health has confirmed that effective from this month community pharmacists are able to substitute the biosimilar version of etanercept for patients who are prescribed Enbrel.
The "a-flagging" of etanercept is being reinstated, allowing pharmacist substitution for patients who present at the pharmacy with a Written Authority script for subsequent continuing treatment with Enbrel 50mg/ml.
The a-flag for etanercept at the initial and first continuing phases of treatment under Written Authority remains unchanged.
Dispensing software now reflects the 01 Jun change for etanercept 50mg/ml, injection 4 x 1ml syringe and etanercept 50mg/ml injection 4 x 1ml pen device.
MSD has welcomed the change, which means that its Brenzys can be substituted subject to the new requirements, unless "brand substitution not permitted" has been marked by the doctor.
MSD Australia Specialty Care Director, Margie Austin, said "this is an important change that reflects the Government's confidence in biosomilars and its commitment to support uptake of these medicines".
She noted that since Apr 2018 over 8,000 Australians have been receiving etanercept each month through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
"This is a substantial group of patients that pharmacists can engage to discuss the potential for brand substitution through a-flagging," she said.
Austin noted that Brenzys currently holds a 17% share of the etanercept market in unit terms.
The a-flagging of etanercept has been reinstated for eligible patients with severe psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, severe active rheumatoid arthitis or severe chronic plaque psoriasis.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 04 Jun 19
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 04 Jun 19
