Reference price groups for inhaled medications to be expanded on 1 April 2023

Starting 1 April 2023, a wider selection of inhaled medicinal products will become eligible for substitution. At the same time, packages that contain a delivery device or protective case for a substitutable inhaled medicine and packages that do not contain such a device or case will be placed in the same reference price group. This change is being made in line with a Ministry of Social Affairs and Health decree on the inclusion of similar package sizes in the same reference price group.

The Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea) evaluates the substitutability of medicinal products as part of the marketing authorisation approval process and publishes a quarterly list of substitutable products. The list that becomes effective at the beginning of April will be posted on the Fimea website on 13 February 2023.

The Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board defines the reference price groups, the packages included in the groups, and the reference prices. The reference price groups are based on the Fimea list, on the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health decree on package size similarity, and the price notifications filed by marketing authorisation holders.

When dispensing substitutable inhaled medications, pharmacies must ensure that the person that will be using the medication has a suitable delivery device to administer the correct dose. In February-March 2023, Fimea and Kela will provide pharmacies with more detailed substitution guidelines for inhaled medications.

Additional information

• On the Kela website: https://www.kela.fi/pharmaceutical-companies
• On the Pharmaceutical Pricing Board website: https://www.hila.fi/en/reference-price-system/
• On the Fimea website: https://www.fimea.fi/web/en/databases_and_registeries/substitutable_medicinal_products
• Finlex: Decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health concerning similar package sizes 125/2023 (in Finnish, in Swedish)

For further information, please contact

• Katri Auraniemi, Coordinator, tel. 050 551 8276, laakevaihto@kela.fi
• Päivi Puustinen, Coordinator, tel. 050 551 6909, laakevaihto@kela.fi
• Ulla Kurkijärvi, Principal Pharmaceutical Officer, tel. 0295 163 436, hila.stm@gov.fi
• Hanna-Kaisa Joutsen, Pharmaceutical Officer, tel. 0295 163 442, hila.stm@gov.fi
• Merja Laakso, Coordinator for Marketing Authorisations, tel. 0295 223 368, merja.laakso@fimea.fi
• Jenni Sääskilahti, Coordinator for Marketing Authorisations, tel. 0295 223 438, jenni.saaskilahti@fimea.fi