This is the text extract for 2009-07 Clinicians Newsletter, browse documents here.

Pharmaceutical Management Agency

PHO Newsletter

Methylphenidate - new listings

July 2009

Recent Pharmaceutical Schedule Changes

The Ritalin, Ritalin SR and Ritalin LA brands of the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treatment methylphenidate hydrochloride will be fully subsidised subject to Special Authority criteria from 1 July.

Dipyridamole - widened access

The Special Authority criteria for the funding of dipyridamole on both the tab 25 mg and tab long-acting 150 mg will be removed from 1 July 2009.

Pioglitazone - widened access and new brand listed

From 1 July 2009, the Special Authority for pioglitazone will be amended to allow wider access for patients and to remove the need for renewal of Special Authority applications. A new brand of pioglitazone, Pizaccord will be listed from 1 July and will be the sole subsidised brand from 1 December 2009.

Bupropion - new listing

Bupropion (Zyban) will be subsidised without prescribing restriction from 1 July 2009. This will provide another option for smoking cessation treatments alongside nicotine replacement therapy and nortriptyline.

Lemnis Fatty - discontinuation

CSL Biotherapies has provided notice to PHARMAC that its stock of Lemnis Fatty Cream has been depleted. Although several fully funded emollient alternatives remain available, PHARMAC staff are actively working to try to obtain a supplier for oil in water emulsion.

Pilocarpine eye drops - discontinuation

Sigma Pharmaceuticals have advised that they are no longer going to supply pilocarpine eyedrops (Pilopt). Stock of the 2% formulation has already been exhausted and the other strengths will run out in the following months. PHARMAC staff are actively seeking an alternative supplier and will advise the market once one has been found. There are a significant number of other changes occurring from 1 July. Please read your Update (call us to order if you haven’t received one) and make sure your practice management system downloads are up to date.

Metoprolol - consultation

We are currently consulting on a proposal to reference price Betaloc CR to AFT-metoprolol from 1 September 2009. The consultation document is available on the front page of our website www.pharmac.govt.nz. Consultation closes 5pm Friday 10 July 2009.

General Questions: 0800 66 00 50 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday) Newsletter feedback: email rachel.mackay@pharmac.govt.nz

“When in doubt, prescribe generically”