This is the text extract for Candersartan Brand Switch, browse documents here.

Will the tablets or pack look different? Yes. Because Candestar is made by a different supplier, the Candestar tablets will look a bit different from the brand you are currently taking, but they will still have the same medicine and will work just the same. Where can I get more information? Please phone the PHARMAC helpline, 0800 66 00 50 (between 9 am and 4 pm weekdays). You can also e-mail brandswitch@pharmac.govt.nz with your queries and/or comments. Your doctor and pharmacist will also help guide you during the changeover period.

Brand change notification

Candesartan (long acting 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg and 32 mg tablets)

BrandSwitch

Dear patient Recently a decision was made to change the funded brands of the angiotensin II antagonist Candesartan. This means that soon, only Candestar will be subsidised and if you currently take Atacand, you will need to change the brand you are taking. The information below may help answer some questions you may have about this change.

Will the medicine work in the same way? Yes. Your medicine itself is not changing, only the brand. Candestar tablets contain the same amount of active ingredient (Candesartan) as Atacand. This means that you should have the same effect from taking Candestar as you do from taking Atacand. Medsafe, the agency that approves medicine for use in New Zealand, approved Candestar after carefully considering the safety and effectiveness of this medicine. You should not notice any difference in how you feel after taking Candestar compared with the current brand you take. If you do notice any major changes or side effects, please talk with your doctor about it. When will the change occur? From 1 August 2012, a part payment may be required for Atacand. Candestar will be fully subsidised. From 1 November 2012, only Candestar will be available fully subsidised. Atacand will no longer be subsidised. Will my current brand be available after 1 November 2012? PHARMAC cannot guarantee the availability or price of Atacand after 1 November 2012. Its availability will be at the discretion of the pharmaceutical supplier. However, after 1 November 2012, all costs of purchasing the Atacand brand of Candesartan would have to be met by the patient. Will the new brand cost me any more? No. Other than the usual patient co-payment, there will be no extra cost to patients for Candestar.

Atacand 32 mg / 4 mg

Candestar 32 mg / 16 mg / 8 mg / 4 mg