A diabetes group is angry at Pharmac's proposal to limit new medicines to high risk people with type two diabetes.
The new diabetes drugs will only be given to patients at high risk of heart and kidney complications. Photo: 123RF
The drug buying agency is looking to fund empagliflozin, dulaglutide and empagliflozin with metformin.
The funding would be restricted and "special authority" criteria means the drugs would only be given to patients at high risk of heart and kidney complications.
Pharmac is currently consulting with health professionals - and if approved - some of the medicines could be available by December.
However, Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa chair Dr John Baker said clinicians should be morally bound to apply for special authority to treat every one of their patients.
"It is unethical to withhold these medicines, now standard across the first world, and keep four out of five patients on a regimen that makes their lives unbearable or short.
"We understand the need to limit costs in the health budget, but this is like rationing instant coffee in the tearoom.
"I am extremely happy for those who will get access to the drugs - they are life-changing - but I'm extremely sad for the 200,000 who won't, because their lives will remain deeply difficult."
It is estimated 250,000 New Zealanders have type two diabetes.
