Relief In Sight For People With COPD

Media Release
26/06/2007

Relief in sight for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Pharmac's decision to increase access to the medication Tiotropium for people with moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) comes as a welcome relief to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation and thousands of patients throughout the country.

COPD is a serious respiratory condition that generally develops as a result of tobacco smoking. It is the 4th leading cause of death in New Zealand. It causes major disability due to shortness of breath with exercise.

The drug Tiotropium is currently available to people with severe COPD from their doctor under Special Authority from Pharmac. From July 1 the Special Authority will be changed to enable doctors to offer Tiotropium prescriptions to patients with moderate COPD. This will be assessed with reference to lung function tests and exercise capacity.

"Tiotropium relaxes the airways in patients with COPD in a way which is different from patients with asthma. Indeed tiotropium may be beneficial

in patients for whom a standard bronchodilator inhaler does not work" said Professor D Robin Taylor, Medical Director of the Foundation.

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation began lobbying for access to the drug some years ago, and eventually the drug was listed by Pharmac. The Foundation's Executive Director Jane Patterson is delighted with today's announcement to make the drug more widely available.

"We have been pushing for wider access to the drug, which is known to be an important tool for people with moderate to severe COPD. The news today is going to help a lot of people. For many it will mean a major difference in the way they cope with shortness of breath and live their life. For some, this means access to Tiotropium for the first time. And for those patients who were struggling to purchase the drug at unsubsidised rates, there will be less of a financial burden".

For more information about respiratory illness or COPD Support Groups throughout the country, please visit www.asthmafoundation.org.nz or contact your local affiliated asthma society.

ENDS

Notes to the editor

COPD has a substantial impact on the health of New Zealanders. Although often undiagnosed, it affects an estimated 15% of the adult population over the age of 45 years (at least 200,000 New Zealanders)

More than 85% of the burden of COPD arises from tobacco smoking, with contributions from cannabis use and dust exposure in the workplace.

COPD is ranked 2nd in men and 5th in women with regards to its health impact;

- Is the 4th leading cause of death after cancer, heart disease and stroke.
- Is estimated to cost up to $192m in direct health care costs each year.

COPD is an irreversible disease but is almost entirely preventable by avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke. Over 15% of all smokers are likely to become affected.

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