This is the text extract for 2009-11 Clinicians Newsletter, browse documents here.

Pharmaceutical Management Agency

PHO Newsletter

Mirtazapine – new listing

November 2009

Recent Pharmaceutical Schedule Changes

The antidepressant mirtazapine (Avanza) will be subsidised from 1 November 2009. Mirtazapine tablets will be subsidised subject to Special Authority criteria. See page 14 of the November Update to the Pharmaceutical Schedule for further information.

Supply of clomipramine tablets

Mylan New Zealand Limited has notified of its intention to discontinue its brand of clomipramine (Clopress) tablets 10 mg and 25 mg later this year. It expects to run out of Clopress 10 mg tablets in November 2009 and Clopress 25 mg tablets in December 2009. PHARMAC is working with suppliers to maintain a supply of clomipramine tablets and will be listing an alternative brand in December.

Pharmaceutical Subsidy Eligibility and Delivery Review

PHARMAC is reviewing the ways in which people receive subsidised pharmaceuticals in New Zealand, and has released a discussion document as part of the review process. We are seeking feedback on a number of issues highlighted in the document, such as on which health professionals should be able to generate a subsidy for pharmaceuticals, and whether the delivery mechanisms and dispensing restrictions that are used could be improved. The discussion document is available on our website www.pharmac.govt.nz, and feedback is due late December.

Please note this is not a complete reference to all changes occurring from 1 November 2009, for the full reference,

please consult your Update to the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

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

“Make life easier, always prescribe generically”