Financial implications of the changes

As of 15 November 2010, the expenses for the individual patient for medicinal products for the treatment of heartburn, sour eructations or ulcers will be unchanged or lower, depending on whether the treatment is changed to a cheaper medicinal product. For the regions, the medical expenses will be lower.

For each individual patient who switches from a treatment with one of the more expensive medicinal products to one of the cheaper ones – omeprazole, lansoprazole or pantoprazole – the average annual savings (for region and patient) will be around DKK 2000. If, in future, you are to undergo treatment with another, but less expensive medicinal product, the change could take place naturally in connection with a routine visit to the general practitioner over the coming five months.

Overall, we estimate the savings for patients and the public sector to amount to DKK 140-170 million per year.

Experts in the area assess that a number of the patients currently undergoing treatment with these medicinal products might find it advantageous to switch to so-called symptom-controlled treatment instead of a constant and continuous treatment, and that some patients might be able to discontinue their treatment entirely. If some patients require less treatment and others may be able to discontinue their treatment, this will increase savings, for the patient as well as for the public sector.

For further information, please contact Head of Department for Reimbursement Karen Kolenda on tel. +45 4488 9348.