The Heart Foundation has welcomed the announcement that Pharmac will fund a new heart medication aimed at treating chronic heart failure. This decision will benefit over 18,000 New Zealanders in the coming year.
The medication, empagliflozin, is specifically for patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which affects about half of all individuals with chronic heart failure. Empagliflozin is part of a class of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors. Research shows that these medications can alleviate symptoms of heart failure, protect heart health, delay kidney failure, reduce hospitalizations related to heart failure, and extend patients’ lives.
Dr. Gerry Devlin, Medical Director of the Heart Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the funding for empagliflozin. He stated that this medication could potentially add six years to the lives of New Zealanders suffering from HFrEF. “We have been advocating for funding for this drug for some time,” Dr. Devlin noted. “Wider access will significantly improve the quality of life for many heart failure patients and enhance overall heart health in New Zealand.”
While this funding is a positive development, Dr. Devlin pointed out that many patients with other forms of heart failure still lack access to effective treatments. The Heart Foundation will continue to advocate for these individuals to ensure they can live longer and healthier lives.
Maggie Hunt, a 72-year-old heart attack survivor living with heart failure, shared her experience with empagliflozin. After being prescribed the medication two years ago, she has seen significant improvements in her health. Although she has been paying for the drug out of pocket, she believes that broader access will be transformative for many New Zealanders. “It will allow others like me to live their lives to the fullest,” she said. “My doctor says I’m a miracle, and I intend to keep living my best life.”
This funding decision marks a significant step forward in addressing chronic heart failure in New Zealand and reflects ongoing efforts to improve access to essential medications for patients in need.
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