Financial Relief to Those with Alzheimer’s

Mylan New Zealand’s Generic Alternative Dementia Treatment Brings Financial Relief to Those with Alzheimer’s Related Dementia

Mylan New Zealand today announced that the first generic prescription medicine for those with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is now available in New Zealand. The availability of a generic version of donepezil provides a more affordable prescription medication for many Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Dementia has a dramatic effect on people and is fast becoming a reality for an increasing number of New Zealanders. There are an estimated 40,746 people with dementia in New Zealand today. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia with 50-70% of people with dementia having Alzheimer’s. *

Donezil, as the first generic prescription medicine indicated for the treatment of dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease in New Zealand, represents a significant step forward in lowering the financial barrier for thousands of people affected by the disease.

Donezil contains donepezil hydrochloride. Until the recent launch of Donezil there has been only one donepezil brand available and, as a private prescription medicine, has been costing patients thousands of dollars per year.

The availability of generic donepezil now creates choice, competition and the potential for significant cost savings for many people and their families affected by Alzheimer’s.

Mylan New Zealand Ltd, the marketers of Donezil, specialise in generic medicines. Mr Lloyd Price, the Managing Director of Mylan NZ, says he anticipates the availability of a lower priced medication for Alzheimer’s will give a larger number of New Zealanders access to donepezil.

Mr Price says that whenever the topic of Alzheimer’s is raised, the cost of available medications is almost inevitably discussed because these are private prescriptions fully paid for by the patient or their families.

“From our discussions with pharmacists we know that cost can be a deterrent to access to these medications. Pharmacists tell of cases where family members take turns in sharing the cost in order to give their loved ones access to Alzheimer’s medication. This is an indication of both the value of the medication and the financial ramifications.”

“It is widely recognised that the effects of Alzheimer’s reach well beyond the individual. Alzheimer’s Disease, for which there is no cure, profoundly affects family members and friends, and can be a cruel and distressing disease.”

“Donezil makes this Alzheimer’s medication more affordable for a larger number of New Zealanders and significantly reduces the financial burden on those individuals or family members paying for it. For this reason we are gaining strong interest in this new brand choice,” Mr Price says.

Donezil, which is manufactured in the United Kingdom, is available as a generic because the patent for the active ingredient, donepezil hydrochloride, has expired. This means that for the first time there is now a choice for this medication in New Zealand with exactly the same active ingredient.

Those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers should speak with their healthcare professional to see if this medication is right for them.

ENDS

* Dementia Economic Impact Report 2008 - Alzheimers New Zealand Inc www.alzheimers.org.nz

DONEZIL (donepezil hydrochloride) 5 & 10 mg film coated tablets are used for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease and for the treatment of vascular dementia. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Common side effects include: headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, muscle cramps, body pain, tiredness (fatigue), nausea, vomiting and difficulty sleeping. Do not take Donezil if you have an allergy to any of the ingredients or piperidine derivatives, or if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, a history of gastric or duodenal ulcer, asthma or any other respiratory (lung) problems, seizures, or if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are going to have surgery or if you are taking any other medicines including those you may have purchased from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. Donezil may affect your ability to perform skilled tasks. Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Donezil affects you. Always read the label carefully and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist or you have side effects, see your health professional. Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is available on the Medsafe website www.medsafe.govt.nz For further information, ask your health professional. Donezil is an unfunded Prescription Medicine. You will need to pay for this medicine. Normal doctor’s fees apply. Ask your doctor if Donezil is right for you. Marketed by Mylan New Zealand Limited, Auckland. TAPS NA3530.

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