Stephen Donnelly confirmed to The Journal that the HSE has made a deal with the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Cariban. The deal will allow women to have easier access to the pregnancy sickness drug.
The Minister for Health said in a statement:
“I am pleased to announce that Cariban is being added to the HSE’s reimbursement list. This is a very positive development as it means that GPs will be able to prescribe it.
“Up until now Cariban had to be consultant-initiated for the first prescription. This move will make it more accessible to women who need it. It is something I was asked to make happen by campaigners and I would like to acknowledge their efforts and advocacy.”
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is excessive nausea and vomiting experienced during pregnancy and often requires hospitalisation.
Women who have HG may be sick multiple times during the day and are often unable to keep any water or food down.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is vastly different from the usual 'morning sickness' that comes with pregnancy. While it is rare, the cases are so severe that they cause dehydration and exhaustion.
In some instances, women are choosing not to continue with their pregnancy as the condition is so extreme and has a severe impact on their mental and physical wellbeing.
The decision to increase access to the drug came after many criticised the barrier of requiring a consult.
Many campaigners stated that women might not see a consultant until their 12-week visit, which is a long time to suffer from Hyperemesis gravidarum.
The cost was also an extreme barrier, with some women having to pay €3,000 for a prescription.
Hyperemesis Ireland, who had been advocating for the update, said:
"This much-needed change is as a direct result of all the HG patients and healthcare providers who shared their experiences and spoke up. We look forward to working with them, and the HSE, on further improving treatment for HG’.
