Escitalopram (Ethics) 10 mg tablets: Your brand is changing
From 1 February 2027, Escitalopram (Ethics) brand will no longer be automatically funded. Ipca-Escitalopram is the main funded brand of escitalopram.
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Ipca-Escitalopram main funded brand
Ipca-Escitalopram contains the same active ingredient (escitalopram) in the same amount. It is designed to work in your body the same way. Most people in New Zealand already take the Ipca brand.
Approved by Medsafe
Medsafe has reviewed the Ipca-Escitalopram brand and approved it for use in New Zealand. It meets New Zealand standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness.
About Medsafe's role(external link)
Information for people taking Ethics Escitalopram
If you have already tried the Ipca-Escitalopram brand and it is not clinically suitable for you, your prescriber can apply for special funding so you can continue to access the Escitalopram (Ethics) brand funded after 1 February 2027.
This is called the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA). It's a way for Pharmac to consider funding a different brand of medicine for you. Each application is looked at individually.
Information for clinicians
From 1 February 2027, Ipca-Escitalopram 10 mg and 20 mg tablets will have Principal Supply Status (PSS) and will be the only funded brand of escitalopram on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. The Escitalopram (Ethics) 10 mg brand will no longer be funded.
Most people taking escitalopram will not be affected because they already use Ipca-Escitalopram.
People who currently take Escitalopram (Ethics) 10 mg tablets will need to change to Ipca-Escitalopram 10 mg before 1 February 2027 to continue receiving funded treatment.
A small number of people may not be able to use Ipca-Escitalopram for clinical reasons. In these circumstances, prescribers can apply through the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA) pathway for funded access to an alternate brand such as Escitalopram (Ethics). Applications can be submitted ahead of the delisting date (1 February 2027) to ensure timely assessment and continuity of funded supply for impacted people.
Information for pharmacists
Escitalopram (Ethics) 10 mg to be delisted from 1 February 2027.
Chemical: Escitalopram
Brand: Escitalopram (Ethics)
Pharmacode: 2349310
Ipca-Escitalopram 10 mg to be exclusively listed from 1 February 2027.
Chemical: Escitalopram
Brand: Ipca-Escitalopram
Pharmacode: 2661640
Why is this happening
Pharmac runs regular tender processes to secure supply of funded medicines. As a result of the latest tender process, Ipca-Escitalopram has been selected to remain the main funded supplier of escitalopram tablets.
This ensures ongoing supply of medicine.
About the annual tender process(external link)
Who to contact
If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.
Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)