This is the text extract for 2009-10 Clinicians Newsletter, browse documents here.

Pharmaceutical Management Agency

PHO Newsletter

Clarithromycin for helicobacter pylori eradication

October 2009

Recent Pharmaceutical Schedule Changes

A new strength of clarithromycin 500 mg tablets will be subsidised from 1 October 2009 specifically for use in the treatment of helicobacter pylori eradication. Prescriptions must be endorsed or are considered endorsed if prescribed in conjunction with a proton pump inhibitor and either amoxycillin or metronidazole. A maximum of 14 tablets per prescription also applies. The Special Authority criterion for helicobacter pylori eradication therapy on 250 mg strength of clarithromycin has been removed.

Diabetes meters, test strips and lancets – new listings

The CareSens II and CareSens POP blood glucose diagnostic test meters will be listed fully subsidised from 1 October 2009. These are compatible with the newly listed CareSens test strips. Lancets in combination with the supply of the CareSens brand of blood glucose diagnostic test strips will be fully subsidised from 1 October 2009.

Aprepitant – new antiemetic

The antiemetic aprepitant (Emend Tri-Pack) capsules will be fully subsidised under Special Authority criteria from 1 October 2009 for patients undergoing highly emetogenic chemotherapy and/or anthracycline-based chemotherapty for the treatment of malignancy.

Fosamax Plus – new strength subsidised

A new strength of Fosamax Plus tablets (alendronate sodium 70 mg with cholecalciferol 5,600 iu) will be subsidised from 1 October 2009, under the same Special Authority criteria for the existing strength of Fosamax Plus. The currently listed strength of Fosamax Plus is expected to be delisted in approximately 6 months.

Latanoprost eye drops – tender awarded

From 1 October 2009 Hysite (latanoprost 50 µg per ml) 2.5 ml eye drops will be subsidised. Hysite is manufactured and supplied by Pfizer who also manufacture and supply the current brand Xalatan.

Phytomenadione injection – subsidised for oral use

Roche Products is discontinuing supply of their chewable phytomenadione 10 mg tablets. As a result, phytomenadione injections (Konakion MM) will be subsidised for oral administration. The medicine datasheet includes instructions on the oral use of the injection formulation.

Cyproterone tablets 100 mg – new strength listed

PHARMAC would like to remind doctors that the 100 mg strength of cyproterone tablet is now fully subsidised.

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”