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Brand change notification

Bendrofluazide

Neo-Naclex to Arrow-Bendrofluazide.

Dear patient, Recently PHARMAC made a decision to change the brand of the high blood pressure medicine bendrofluazide that will be subsidised. This means that soon the subsidised brand of bendrofluazide will change from Neo-Naclex to Arrow-Bendrofluazide. The information below may help answer some questions you may have about this change.

Will the medicine work the same?

Yes, Your medicine itself is not changing, only the brand. Arrow-Bendrofluazide contains the same amount of active ingredient (bendrofluazide) as Neo-Naclex. This means you should have the same effect from taking ArrowBendrofluazide as you do from taking Neo-Naclex. Medsafe, the agency that approves medicines for use in New Zealand, approved Arrow-Bendrofluazide after carefully considering the safety and effectiveness of this medicine. You shouldn’t notice any difference in how you feel after taking Arrow-Bendrofluazide compared with Neo-Naclex. If you do notice any major changes or side effects, please talk with your doctor about it.

When will the change occur?

From 1 May 2010, Arrow-Bendrofluazide will be available. From 1 July 2010, you may have to pay an extra part payment for Neo-Naclex. Arrow-Bendrofluazide will remain fully subsidised. From 1 October 2010, only Arrow-Bendrofluazide will be available fully subsidised. Neo-Naclex will no longer be subsidised.

Neo-Naclex 2.5 mg

Neo-Naclex 5 mg

Arrow-Bendrofluazide 2.5 mg

Arrow-Bendrofluazide 5 mg

Will my current brand be available after 1 October 2010?

PHARMAC cannot guarantee whether Neo-Naclex will be available after 1 October 2010 as this will be the decision of the pharmaceutical supplier (GlaxoSmithKline). After 1 October 2010, all costs of purchasing Neo-Naclex will have to be met by the patient.

Will the new brand cost me any more?

No. Other than the usual patient co-payment, ArrowBendrofluazide will cost the same as Neo-Naclex costs you now.

Will the tablets or pack look any different?

The Arrow-Bendrofluazide tablets are the same size and shape to the Neo-Naclex tablets, although the markings on the tablets are a little different. They still have the same bendrofluazide medicine in them and will work just the same.

Where can I get more information?

If you have any questions about this change and what it means for you, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or you can phone the PHARMAC helpline, 0800 66 00 50 (between 9am and 4pm weekdays). You can also e-mail brandswitch@pharmac.govt.nz with your queries and/or comments.

BrandSwitch