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Government drug buying agency Pharmac is to fund treatments for two types of prostate disease - prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
From today finasteride (Fintral) will be funded for BPH, and from November 1 bicalutamide (Bicalox) will be funded for advanced prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men and the third most common cause of male cancer deaths.
BPH is the most prevalent urological disease in men, and causes an enlarged prostate that can lead to debilitating and painful symptoms for patients.
Pharmac medical director Peter Moodie said not everybody responded to all the current medication for various reasons, so increasing the options was a step forward for patients and doctors.
Pharmac estimated Bicalox could be used by about 160 people in the first year, rising to more than 300 by 2011 and up to 3000 men could be treated with finasteride each year, Dr Moodie said.
- NZPA
