Disopyramide (Rythmodan): new look pack
Your medicine will have a new look packaging, but it is the same medicine made by the same manufacturer.
What's changing
From October 2025, you can expect the packaging for your Rythmodan to change. It is going from packaging made for Canada (Cheplapharm) to packaging made for the UK (Neon).
It is the same medicine inside, the capsules are the same colour and have all the same ingredients, both active and inactive.
- New Look Dispyramide Rythmodan [PDF 261 KB]
| Brand | Description | Pharmacode | Subsidy | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rythmodan - Cheplafarm | Canadian (old) packaging | 2658062 | $55.90 | per 84 |
| Rythmodan Neon | UK (new) packaging | 2713616 | $55.90 | per 84 |
Neither product is Medsafe approved
Neither the UK nor the Canadian packaged product is approved by Medsafe for use in New Zealand. Both products are approved for use in their home country.
Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine
Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 allows for medicines that are not Medsafe approved to be prescribed and supplied to people. The medicine must be prescribed by someone registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand – such as, a doctor.
We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow people to continue to access an appropriate treatment.
Advice for prescribing under section 29 – BPAC website(external link)
Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 medicines – Medsafe website (external link)
What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(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.
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