This is the text extract for Discontinuation of Nuvelle, browse documents here.

08 June 2009

Discontinuation of Nuvelle

Bayer New Zealand Ltd has discontinued Nuvelle and stock in New Zealand has been exhausted. PHARMAC apologises for the delay in announcing the alternatives for this product as clinical advice was required from the Hormone and Contraceptive Subcommittee of PTAC. The Subcommittee considered that although it would be desirable to have a sequential Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) it was acceptable that individual components were both available and were fully funded on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. The Subcommittee acknowledged there would be more effort required to ensure compliance for HRT therapy but noted there were no alternative sequential HRT therapies listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule. The Subcommittee considered the following fully funded alternatives to be acceptable for use in the patient group requiring sequential HRT: § Oestradiol valerate (Progynova), plus either: o o Noethisterone (Noriday 28); or Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera)

We note that there are other options available that include partially subsidised products. PHARMAC appreciates the potential issues around compliance and prescribing that will occur with this change and continues to investigate a potential replacement for sequential HRT in New Zealand. More information If you have any questions about this decision, you can call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.

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