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Biotech / Medical : Pharma News Only (pfe,mrk,wla, sgp, ahp, bmy, lly)

PFE 25.51

+4.6%

Nov 11 3:59 PM EST

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To: Anthony Wong who wrote (883)	10/11/1998 11:50:00 AM
From: Anthony Wong	Read Replies (2) of 1722

Cape Times - Viagra: Med aids will rise to the occasion Priscilla Singh MEN suffering from impotence will be relieved to hear that at least two medical aid companies Fedsure Health and Medscheme will cover the cost of treatment once the male fertility drug Viagra becomes available in South Africa. Medical aid companies in South Africa are abuzz with the news that Viagra will become available before the end of this year. Potential Viagra users and the medical fraternity are sitting tight until the Medicines Control Council gives the go-ahead for Viagra's release. Ivan Clarence, Fedsure Health's risk director, said the company acknowledged there were "many people with medically sound reasons who require Viagra". A single Viagra tablet, ranging in strength from 25mg to 50mg, is expected to cost about R60 each. Clarence said Fedsure Health supported the potential of Viagra to assist those suffering from an organic disorder (poor blood flow or nerve damage) or a psychological disorder (anxiety or depression), though other medical aid schemes might not. To qualify for the benefit, a member will require a medical motivation and a prescription from a urologist. "This procedure stresses the importance of having the drug prescribed on the basis of sound medical advice. Medical professionals have warned against taking the drug in combination with a nitrate-based medication because the effects can be fatal. "Viagra is likely to become the biggest-selling drug in South Africa, displacing Prozac. We will be allowing members between R500 to R600 a month for treatment. The exact amount will depend on the dosage," Clarence said. Gary Taylor, director of Medscheme, said his company would not cover Viagra treatments "willy-nilly". "It will need to be purely for medical reasons, such as vascular or psychological problems. Then we will pay," he said. Meanwhile, Pfizer the company preparing to distribute Viagra is holding workshops across the country aimed at telling potential patients about the drug and clarifying who will be eligible to take it. All Material © copyright Independent Newspapers 1998. 164.88.55.4

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