Almost 2,000 to be reimbursed for pregnancy drug

Almost 2,000 women are set to be reimbursed for a drug that eases severe sickness during pregnancy.

It is understood that 1,621 women have now been accepted for a reimbursement scheme surrounding the drug Cariban as it was not previously accessible through the drugs payment scheme or a medical card. This comes after a campaign was led by women who had suffered from severe vomiting in pregnancy, also known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). Unlike morning sickness - which is much more common in pregnancy - HG can lead to hospitalisation due to its severity. Those who suffer from HG during pregnancy can end up spending up to €3,000 for a Cariban prescription. [caption id="attachment_430897" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Credit: Getty Images[/caption] In last year's budget, the Government announced that €1.3m would be allocated for Cariban reimbursements which now sees women accessing it for free from this year. Despite it now being accessible without charge, campaigners have raised concerns that many will not be able to avail of the drug without approval from their consultant. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has now confirmed that he has ordered the HSE to conduct a review of this scheme which is set to be completed this month.

"On the recognition that women suffering hyperemesis gravidarum may need access to Cariban before their first consultation with their specialist/obstetrician, and in light of the fact that GPs prescribe Cariban to private patients without an initial prescription from a specialist, I have asked the HSE to review the current arrangement and report back to me,” he said.

Donnelly added that the approval for the reimbursement will also depend on the dosage being prescribed to each pregnant person and the length of time the drug is being used for will also be taken into account.

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