This is the text extract for 2009-08 Clinicians Newsletter, browse documents here.

Pharmaceutical Management Agency

PHO Newsletter

Enoxaparin sodium - new listings

August 2009

Recent Pharmaceutical Schedule Changes

The low molecular weight heparin Clexane injection (enoxaparin sodium) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule under Special Authority criteria from 1 August 2009. Enoxaparin sodium will be subsidised for patients requiring treatment with low molecular weight heparin during pregnancy and the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism.

Oil in water emulsion – new listing

Following the discontinuation of Lemnis Fatty Cream, PHARMAC have managed to source a new supplier for oil in water emulsion. The healthE Fatty Cream brand will be subsidised from 1 August 2009. However supplies of healthE Fatty Cream are not expected to be available until the second week of August.

Pilocarpine eye drops – Section 29 listing

The Isopto Carpine brand of pilocarpine eye drops 1%, 2% and 4% will be subsidised from 1 August 2009. As these products are unregistered, they will be listed under Section 29 of the Medicines Act. These listings follow the discontinuation of Pilopt eye drops by Sigma Pharmaceuticals.

Levothyroxine – new listing

The Synthroid brand of levothyroxine tablets will be subsidised from 1 August 2009. Three strengths of Synthroid will be listed, including a lower-strength 25 µg tablet.

Adalimumab – access widening

Access for adalimumab (Humira) will be widened from 1 August 2009. This will provide fully funded access to adalimumab for the “last-line” treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, chronic plaque psoriasis and Crohn’s disease, subject to Special Authority criteria being met. Previously adalimumab has only been subsidised for the last-line treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Gabapentin

From 1 August 2009 until 31 July 2012, Nupentin will be the only subsidised brand of gabapentin for all patients with neuropathic pain, and will be the only subsidised brand of gabapentin for newly initiated patients with epilepsy. All patients with an existing approval for gabapentin for epilepsy at 31 July 2009 who are taking the Neurontin brand of gabapentin will be automatically issued a new approval for Neurontin, and Neurontin will continue to be subsidised for those patients only.

Special Authority Queries: 0800 243 666 General Questions: 0800 66 00 50 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday) Newsletter feedback: email rachel.mackay@pharmac.govt.nz

“When in doubt, prescribe generically”