Pevaryl can be rubbed onto skin to treat fungal skin infections affecting small areas of the body, like toes. Photo: creative commons - pixabay - iGlobalWeb
Pharmac will next year fully fund a cream to treat fungal skin infections which it says will benefit almost 800 people.
Econazole nitrate 1 percent cream - branded as Pevaryl - can be rubbed onto skin to treat fungal skin infections affecting small areas of the body, like toes.
"We expect about 780 people to benefit from it being fully funded in the first year," Pharmac senior therapeutic group manager Logan Heyes said.
"This is a small step to help people treat and heal from their skin infections so they can continue with their daily lives."
There was previously a part charge on the medicine when people picked it up from pharmacies, but it will be fully funded from 1 January 2025.
"Removing part-charges on medicines make it easier for people to access treatment," Heyes said.
"We are always looking at ways to improve access to the medicines that we fund."
The government in June announced a $604 million budget boost for the health buying agency, to fund new medicines and widen access to medicines that are already funded.
Since then, funding for a range of medicines has been announced, including those that treat cancer, ADHD and heart failure.
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