- Friday 30 July 2010
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Parents demand Ritalin back
By Jo Tuapawa, Waiariki journalism student
Rotorua parents of children who have reacted badly to a new attention deficit disorder drug want subsidies on Ritalin reinstated.
The Government stopped subsidising Ritalin in April after choosing a cheaper product but some children have had adverse reactions to the new drug, forcing their parents to revert to Ritalin, at their own cost.
One mother, who wanted only to be known as Karen, switched him back to Ritalin after he reacted badly to Rubefin.
On the new drug he became aggressive, frustrated and destructive and went into a serious state of depression, his mother said.
"He turned into a very angry child and started stealing," she said.
"He even lit fires inside the house."
Karen now pays about $45 per month for Ritalin, compared with the subsidised amount of $3 for Rubefin.
When Ritalin was the subsidised drug, it cost $3 for patients enrolled with a primary health organisation or with community services cards. The subsidised cost was $15 for others.
"My strong feeling is that the subsidy should be reinstated and people given the choice of Rubefin or Ritalin," she said.
"The Government says they are saving millions of dollars by not having to subsidise Ritalin but they will end up spending millions anyway when children having really bad reactions get into trouble, or worse, end up in jail.
"That's not all the children but with some of the reactions some of the children are having, that's the way it could go."
Rotorua pharmacist, Sandy Florence said some customers were paying up to $100 per month.
"They've tried the cheap stuff and it doesn't work."
Although Pharmac said the new drug contained the same ingredients as Ritalin, Mr Florence said he believed Rubefin to be inferior.
"Some customers say their ADHD symptoms became worse on Rubefin, including a lack of concentration, hyperactivity and impulsivity."
Pharmac's Medical Director, Dr Peter Moodie, said Pharmac stood by its decision to switch to the cheaper product as it freed up money to help fund other new pharmaceuticals.
"We ensure the Ministry of Health has tested the product and the independent study showed that Rubefin passed."
Pharmac was aware some people were not taking to the new drug very well but in most cases, those experiencing adverse effects could have the problem rectified by a dose adjustment. Meanwhile, Med Safe was doing further testing, the results of which were expected in the next few weeks.
Rotorua ADHD Association co-ordinator Helen Franich, said Pharmac should still subsidise Ritalin for those reacting badly to Rubefin.
"Theoretically Rubefin is the same, but people have contacted me saying they were really concerned about the deterioration of their children."
The issue is highlighted this week as a part of ADHD awareness week. Mrs Franich is co-ordinating a two-day ADHD workshop at Selwyn Primary School this weekend aimed at improving the lives of those with ADHD and their families and helping others, particularly teachers, better understand the disorder.
Rotorua parents of children who have reacted badly to a new attention deficit disorder drug want subsidies on Ritalin reinstated.
The Government stopped subsidising Ritalin in April after choosing a cheaper product but some children have had adverse reactions to the new drug, forcing their parents to revert to Ritalin, at their own cost.
One mother, who wanted only to be known as Karen, switched him back to Ritalin after he reacted badly to Rubefin.
On the new drug he became aggressive, frustrated and destructive and went into a serious state of depression, his mother said.
"He turned into a very angry child and started stealing," she said.
"He even lit fires inside the house."
Karen now pays about $45 per month for Ritalin, compared with the subsidised amount of $3 for Rubefin.
When Ritalin was the subsidised drug, it cost $3 for patients enrolled with a primary health organisation or with community services cards. The subsidised cost was $15 for others.
"My strong feeling is that the subsidy should be reinstated and people given the choice of Rubefin or Ritalin," she said.
"The Government says they are saving millions of dollars by not having to subsidise Ritalin but they will end up spending millions anyway when children having really bad reactions get into trouble, or worse, end up in jail.
"That's not all the children but with some of the reactions some of the children are having, that's the way it could go."
Rotorua pharmacist, Sandy Florence said some customers were paying up to $100 per month.
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Although Pharmac said the new drug contained the same ingredients as Ritalin, Mr Florence said he believed Rubefin to be inferior.
"Some customers say their ADHD symptoms became worse on Rubefin, including a lack of concentration, hyperactivity and impulsivity."
Pharmac's Medical Director, Dr Peter Moodie, said Pharmac stood by its decision to switch to the cheaper product as it freed up money to help fund other new pharmaceuticals.
"We ensure the Ministry of Health has tested the product and the independent study showed that Rubefin passed."
Pharmac was aware some people were not taking to the new drug very well but in most cases, those experiencing adverse effects could have the problem rectified by a dose adjustment. Meanwhile, Med Safe was doing further testing, the results of which were expected in the next few weeks.
Rotorua ADHD Association co-ordinator Helen Franich, said Pharmac should still subsidise Ritalin for those reacting badly to Rubefin.
"Theoretically Rubefin is the same, but people have contacted me saying they were really concerned about the deterioration of their children."
The issue is highlighted this week as a part of ADHD awareness week. Mrs Franich is co-ordinating a two-day ADHD workshop at Selwyn Primary School this weekend aimed at improving the lives of those with ADHD and their families and helping others, particularly teachers, better understand the disorder.
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