Switzerland
2006: Reimbursement of anti-dementia drugs
The availability of medicines in general
The Federal Office for Social Insurance draws up a positive list of pharmaceuticals for which the compulsory health insurance system will pay (the specialty list). Maximum prices are also set for these products. [1]
The availability of Alzheimer treatments
All four anti-dementia drugs are available in Switzerland and are part of the reimbursement system.
Treatment decisions can be made by any doctor whether it is for treatment initiation or treatment continuation. The Swiss system requires the doctor to carry out an MMSE at the time of diagnosis, as well as a first follow up examination after three months which can then be followed by examinations every six months. Treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors should be discontinued if the MMSE score falls below 10 and with memantine for MMSE scores under 3.
There are no restrictions for the reimbursement of people living alone or in nursing homes.
| Rivastigmine | Galantamine | Memantine |
||
| Reimbursement | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Initial treatment decision | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions |
| Continuing treatment decision | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions |
| Required examinations | MMSE | MMSE | MMSE | MMSE |
| MMSE limits | >10 | >10 | >10 | >3 |
| People living alone | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions |
| People in nursing homes | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions |
[1] WHO, Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland, accessed September 2006: Http://www.who.dk/pharmaceuticals/Topics/Overview/20020414_8
Last Updated: Wednesday 15 July 2009
