The new reimbursement list will not include the modern drug for type 2 diabetes, proven and used by patients for years. It is gliclazide MR 60 mg – the original, oral antidiabetic drug, recommended by WHO, which causes fewer side effects than other drugs of this type. Patients appeal to the minister of health, and the letter on this matter was published on its website by the Board of the Polish Diabetes Association.
«In connection with the publication of the draft of the announcement of reimbursed drugs on June 21.06 this year, we are surprised by the lack of Diaprel MR in the dose of 60 mg recommended by WHO. We would like to emphasize that this drug is currently the basic form of therapy and one of the most frequently used drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. patients in Poland »- the patients write in their letter.
«In our opinion, the decision to remove Diaprel MR 60 mg from the list of reimbursed drugs may have serious consequences, resulting in disruption of the continuity of the therapeutic process. The need to modify the therapy is most often associated with an additional specialist consultation and resetting the treatment. During this period, hundreds of thousands of patients will be at risk of losing glycemic control, which is associated with deterioration of their health and possible complications »- they continue. Why was the drug not included in the draft of the new list of reimbursed drugs?
Diaprel (gliclazide) MR 60 mg has significant advantages compared to the older form of the drug (reimbursed for years). Among other things, it is available in a modern pharmaceutical form, in which the divisible tablet with a modified release, in a dose recommended by WHO, translates into the comfort of use of the drug by the patient and improves the control of diabetes.
It is difficult to find a substantive or economic justification in the decision of the Ministry of Health because the price of the drug (current or reduced) will not affect the NHF expenditure due to the fact that the limit is based on another active substance (glimepiride). Currently, the patient, when going to the pharmacy with a prescription, has a choice – he can buy the original drug prescribed by the doctor or choose a cheaper form of the drug (generic). So far, nearly 200 patients have chosen the original drug, which they have been treated for a long time and which gives them a sense of security.
Removal of gliclazide MR 60 mg from the reimbursement list may cause unnecessary confusion in the treatment of thousands of type 2 diabetic patients, as it will cause a sharp increase in the price and deprive these patients of the right to further access to the reimbursed drug, as well as the right to switch to a cheaper alternative.
Currently, gliclazide MR 60 mg is on the list of basic drugs recommended by WHO for wide use in the world.
30 tablets of Diaprel MR 60 mg cost 24,82 zlotys without refund.
The new list of reimbursed drugs, foodstuffs for particular nutritional uses and medical devices will enter into force on July 1 this year.