This is the text extract for 2010-10 Clinicians Newsletter , browse documents here.

Pharmaceutical Management Agency

GP Newsletter

New topical anti-acne treatment fully subsidised

Oct 2010

From 1 October 2010 the topical anti-acne treatment adapalene will be listed fully subsidised. Adapalene, brand name Differin, will be fully subsidised in 0.1% cream and gel formulations when dispensed on a prescription. A maximum of 30 g per prescription will be subsidised. Adapalene is a once daily topical retinoid indicated for the topical treatment of comedo, papular and pustular acne (acne vulgaris) of the face, chest or back.

Ezetimibe – greater subsidised access

Subsidised access for ezetimibe (Ezetrol) tablets 10 mg and ezetimibe with simvastatin (Vytorin) tablets will be widened from 1 October 2010. The Special Authority criteria will be amended to include patients whose LDL-cholesterol treatment goals are not achieved with the use of maximally tolerated dose of atorvastatin. The current specialist application and renewal restrictions will be removed, enabling prescribers acting within their scope of practice to apply for Special Authority approvals.

Mycophenolate mofetil – Special Authority amendment

Mycophenolate mofetil 250 mg capsules and 500 mg tablets will be listed fully subsidised, under new Special Authority criteria, from 1 October 2010. The Special Authority amendment widens funded access to include all transplant recipients and patients with autoimmune diseases that have not responded to other standard immunosuppressant treatments. Applications from General Practitioners will be valid upon the recommendation of a relevant specialist.

Mianserin hydrochloride – widened access

From 1 October 2010 subsidised access to mianserin hydrochloride (Tolvon) 30 mg tablets will be expanded. The Special Authority criteria will be amended to include patients who have not responded to other antidepressants.

Travoprost eye drops now fully subsidised

Travoprost (Travatan) eye drops 0.004%, 2.5 ml, will be fully subsidised from 1 October 2010.

Urea cream – fully subsidised

The subsidy for urea 10% cream (Nutraplus) will increase to match the manufacturer’s price from 1 October 2010 resulting in urea 10% cream being fully subsidised.

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

Please note this is not a complete reference to all changes occurring from 1 March 2010, for the full reference, please consult your Update to the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

“Make life easier, always prescribe generically”