Minister for Health announces an expansion of the provision of Cariban for patients with Hyperemesis Gravidarum
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 26 July 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, TD has announced that Cariban (doxylamine / pyridoxine), for the management of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, is being added to the reimbursement list for the community drug schemes from 1 August 2024. The move will support greater access to Cariban, for the women who require it.
This means that Cariban will now be available with a prescription from a General Practitioner, and women will no longer have to attend a Consultant to access the medicine.
There has been strong demand for Cariban since it was made available under an exceptional arrangement in early 2023, and this latest step removes barriers to women accessing this treatment. Under the Drug Payment Scheme, the total cost of prescription medicines, including Cariban is €80 per month per family.
Announcing this positive outcome, the Minister said:
“This measure supports women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum and allows them to receive the care they need from their local GP. They will no longer have to wait or to travel to see their Consultant before they access this medicine.
“This measure builds on the other Women’s Health Initiatives that we have worked on including the introduction and expansion of the free contraception scheme, the launch of publicly- funded access to IVF and other fertility treatments, the roll-out of a network of same day “See-and-Treat” Gynaecology Clinics, the development of specialist endometriosis centres and the opening of fertility hubs.”
The HSE provides general advice on treatments for Hyperemesis Gravidarum which is available here.