15 February 2019 Good Afternoon, IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Doxepin hydrochloride capsules 10 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg discontinuation We are writing to you to inform you that Mylan, the supplier of doxepin hydrochloride capsules, has notified PHARMAC that their doxepin hydrochloride capsules (Anten) have been discontinued internationally by their manufacturer. Doxepin hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of depression but are also used for a range of indications. Anten is the only Medsafe registered brand of doxepin capsules in New Zealand. This means people taking doxepin will need to be changed to another funded tricyclic antidepressant. There are approximately 7,500 people currently taking doxepin capsules. We expect the remaining stock of Anten to be depleted by mid-2019. What this means for you •
An endorsement has been placed on doxepin hydrochloride, effective from 1 March 2019 meaning no new patients can be initiated on doxepin capsules. You can find more details in the February Update of the Pharmaceutical Schedule (https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/2019/01/17/SU.pdf).
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Prescribers should begin to transition patients to an alternative pharmaceutical. PHARMAC has received clinical advice that other suitable funded alternative antidepressants include amitriptyline, imipramine hydrochloride and nortriptyline hydrochloride. These alternatives are not dose equivalent so prescribers and pharmacists will need to ensure patients understand their new dosing regimen.
We appreciate that it is not always easy to change patients onto different medicines and apologise for the inconvenience caused to you and your patients. If you have any further questions about this discontinuation, please contact us on 0800 66 00 50 or email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz. Yours sincerely
Dr Bryan Betty Deputy Medical Director, PHARMAC
A1231586
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