Best-value biological medicines: Long-acting granulocyte-colony stimulating factors
The Medicines Management Programme has identified best-value biological (BVB) medicines for long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factors.
The MMP recommends the following as BVB medicines for long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factors:
- Lonquex® (Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland)
- Neulasta® (Amgen Ireland Limited)
- Pelgraz® (Accord Healthcare Ireland Limited)
- Ziextenzo® (Rowex Limited)
Clinicians should give due consideration to prescribing Lonquex®, Neulasta®, Pelgraz® or Ziextenzo® when issuing a prescription for a long-acting granulocyte-colony stimulating factor on the High Tech Arrangement. Implementation of this recommendation will lead to significant savings for the health service.
A copy of the MMP Evaluation Report is available in the Related Files section below.
From 1 April 2024, it is HSE policy that all adult patients who are commencing treatment with a long-acting granulocyte-colony stimulating factor should be prescribed one of the recommended BVB medicines: Lonquex®, Neulasta®, Pelgraz® or Ziextenzo®.
Resources to support prescribing of the BVB medicines are located in the Related Files section below:
- MMP Communication – BVB Medicines Long-acting G-CSFs 22 March 2024
- BVB Reimbursement of Long-acting G-CSFs Questions & Answers for Healthcare Professionals March 2024
- BVB Long-acting G-CSFs Patient Information March 2024
- BVB Medicine Product Information Sheets for Lonquex®, Neulasta®, Pelgraz® and Ziextenzo®
- BVB Long-acting G-CSFs Patient and Clinic Support Services – contains information on and contact details for patient support programmes for Lonquex®, Neulasta®, Pelgraz® and Ziextenzo®.