Nearly 600 people a year will benefit from Parkinson's treatment levodopa with carbidopa and entacapone from next year. Photo: 123RF
Pharmac has announced new funding for medicines to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and Parkinson's disease.
Fosfomycin (brand name UroFros) is already funded for treating UTIs in hospitals, but from 1 November will also be funded for use in the community.
Pharmac senior therapeutic group manager/team leader Alexandra Compton said 2600 people would benefit.
"For many people, a urinary tract infection is something that can be treated with antibiotics from your GP, but some people experiencing more severe symptoms need to get treatment in hospital."
Having fosfomycin available from GPs would cut the number of people needing hospital treatment by 80 percent, she said.
"This change is fantastic for people with urinary tract infections, and it will also help reduce pressure on the health system."
Nearly 600 people a year will benefit from Parkinson's treatment levodopa with carbidopa and entacapone (branded as Stalevo), funded from 1 February next year.
"This decision introduces a combination treatment option for people with Parkinson's disease, which will see them able to take fewer tablets per day, which is another positive outcome for patients," Compton said.
Funding for the new drugs came from the government's boost to Pharmac's budget earlier this year, the drug-buying agency said.