At the beginning of April, new medications were added to the Health Insurance Fund's list of reimbursable drugs. These are intended for both outpatient and inpatient treatments. The new drugs will help treat cancer, eye and autoimmune diseases, as well as mental health issues. The new medications cost over €1.5 million in total.
The drug Ryjunea was added to the list of outpatient medications. It helps slow the progression of myopia in children. Myopia has become much more common in recent years. It usually develops during school years and progresses as the child grows. The earlier it starts, the more severe it can become in adulthood. The drug helps reduce the risk of more serious eye diseases. In Estonia, there are approximately 300 patients per year who need this medication. Ryjunea is more convenient than the previous drug, but it costs nearly €150,000 more per year.
Another new drug is Jakavi. It is used to treat graft-versus-host disease. This condition can occur after a bone marrow transplant. The drug helps reduce the immune system's response and improves the patient's well-being. Approximately 5-6 patients per year need this medication.
In April, the drug Tentin was also added, which helps patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurological disorder that makes it difficult for children to concentrate and behave. The drug helps improve attention and reduce impulsivity. It is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes counseling and support services.
New medications were also added for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, giant cell arteritis, and other diseases. Additionally, the immunoglobulin Hyqvia is now available for the treatment of immune deficiencies, and antifungal nail polish for fungal nail infections.
Several new drugs were also added to the list of inpatient medications. These help treat severe and rare diseases. For example, the drug Vabysmo was added to help in cases of age-related macular degeneration. This disease causes vision loss in the elderly. Approximately 1,000 patients per year need this medication.
The drug Ultomiris was added for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. This disease causes vision impairment and movement difficulties. Ultomiris helps slow the progression of the disease. In Estonia, it is needed by approximately five patients.
The inpatient medications list also included the drugs Libtayo and Eylea. Libtayo helps treat advanced lung cancer. Eylea is intended for the treatment of retinopathy in premature infants.