Unfunded drugs and clinical trials

It is important to note that the cost-share only applies to the cost of the drug itself, not its administration. A Ministry of Health directive prohibits the administration of unfunded drugs in a public hospital, so the patient must meet the cost of administering Avastin in a private clinic.

Further information about Avastin can be found on the Avastin Data Sheet available here, and enquiries for more information can be directed to the Roche Medical Information team on 0800 276 243 or by emailing: auckland.medinfonz@roche.com.

Talk to your oncologist about whether Avastin is right for you, and how to access the cost-share programme.

There is no cost-share programme with Pfizer for this drug in New Zealand, so it will need to be fully funded by the patient. 

•  Talk to your oncologist to see if Braftovi is an option for you.

• Consider selling assets: You may consider selling assets such as your house, a car, or a business. If you are receiving benefits from WINZ, let them know about any income generated from asset sales, although it’s unlikely to affect your payments from them (see more here). If you invest the money, interest earned will be taxable income.
• Reverse mortgage: If you own your home, check with your bank to see if they will provide a reverse mortgage so you can raise money against the equity in your property.
• Grants: Some private clinics have access to grants made possible by generous benefactors. Check with your private provider to see if this support is available.
• ACC: This may be an option for funds if you have had a previous misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or probably occupational exposure.
• WINZ (Work and Income): They do provide several social benefits. Contact them as soon as possible because any financial assistance will be given from the date of contact. A Community Services Card can help with medical costs and other services and a sickness benefit is available for short-term help. The Invalid’s Benefit can provide longer term assistance and you may qualify for extra help through accommodation supplements and some funding for medical bills. You may be eligible for travel and accommodation costs too if you travel some distance to medical appointments. For information about entitlements, visit the website or call WINZ on 0800 559 009.
• Ministry of Health wig subsidy: Some treatments will cause temporary hair loss and the MOH provides a subsidy to assist with the purchase of a wig. The entitlement for temporary hair loss is $408.88 (incl. GST) over a one year period. Find out more on the MOH website here.

Cancer Trials New Zealand supports the development of new research to improve outcomes for New Zealanders at risk, or already facing, the challenges of cancer. Trials investigate new ways of preventing, diagnosing, treating and monitoring cancer, and new research seeks to refine established treatments and the delivery of care within our cancer services. Some clinical trials offer medicines that may work better, or have fewer side effects, than current treatment options, and participation in a trial helps to advance research that can benefit others in the future.

There are a few clinical trials that you may be able to join in Aotearoa, New Zealand. These would be the BEACON or BREAKWATER trials. You will need to discuss them with your oncology team to assess your potential to be involved and if recruitment for these is still open.  

If you are interested in taking part in a cancer trial, ask your oncologist if you are eligible for any trials recruiting currently or in the future.