KEY POINTS:
Migraine sufferers have a new pain relief option, with the addition of a new generic drug to Pharmac's list of fully funded medications.
The government drug funding body announced today it would fund generic sumatriptan tablets -- new forms of GlaxoSmithKline's migraine relief drug Imigran.
The drug is used to relieve migraine headaches as they occur.
The patent on Imigran ran out in April 2006.
GlaxoSmithKline has agreed to lower the cost of Imigran, so it will continue to be available, Pharmac medical director Peter Moodie said.
Pharmac will save $21 million over the next five years as a result.
"Migraines impact on a number of New Zealanders and Pharmac is pleased to be able to continue giving them access to a medicine they trust and to free up funds that we can use to purchase other medicines," Dr Moodie said.
- NZPA
