14 May 2004
News Release
PHARMAC’s claims of asthma campaign success misleading DTC advertising catalyst for biggest dose reductions
Auckland May 14, 2003
New Zealand’s biggest supplier of asthma medications, GlaxoSmithKline is intrigued PHARMAC has come on board to help
reduce doses of inhaled corticosteroid used in asthma. PHARMAC’s move comes after the biggest recent dose reduction,
which was stimulated by Direct-To-Consumer Advertising (DTCA) of asthma medicines and the pro-active actions of GPs and
patients.
GlaxoSmithKline Medical Director Dr Ian Griffiths says DTCA has been the single biggest catalyst for the positive
changes despite opposition by PHARMAC to this informational tool. “Any reduction in average dose of inhaled
corticosteroid should be attributed to good medical practice, patient motivation, responsible advertising and increased
use of other therapies.
“GSK believes a contributing factor to historical high dosing was a PHARMAC funding policy forcing many patients to use
doses in excess of manufacturer recommendations before being allowed to access other therapies. We are delighted to see
PHARMAC are accepting responsibility for this problem.
“The biggest and most dramatic reduction in average inhaled corticosteroid dose came when GSK advertised the
discontinuation of its beclomethasone inhalers and suggested patients consult their doctor about alternatives. This
motivated patients to see their doctors and sparked the sharpest decline in dosing seen in recent years as doctors
proactively addressed high dosing problems.
“GSK believes PHARMAC’s limited budget could be more effectively used to fund more medicines and reduce funding
restrictions rather than developing costly campaigns to influence doctors’ prescribing behaviour,” says Dr Griffiths.
ENDS