Clinical Correspondence

Clinical Correspondence 29/7/22 Update on key health reform work programmes Strategic plan for health services out soon •

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Following on from the 1 July release of the interim Government Policy Statement (iGPS), work is being completed on the next level of detail, the interim New Zealand Health Plan.

This will be published shortly.

Called Te Pae Tata, the interim Health Plan sets out the first two years of action for how Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora will deliver health services. It includes a suite of actions to address variations among districts and builds a platform for greater consistency across healthcare services nationwide.

You can read the iGPS or a quick guide to it on the Ministry of Health website: Interim Government Policy Statement on Health 2022- 2024.

Hira – supporting a people-centred and equitable health system Our vision for the future of our health system is one that must be people-centred, equitable, accessible and cohesive. The Hira Programme plays a key role in how we can make this happen.

Regional Director Appointments • • •

Regional Director, Northern: Dr Hayden McRobbie Regional Director, Te Manawa Taki: Dr Natasha White Regional Director, Te Waipounamu: Vince Barry

Next Chief Executive hui - 26 July • • •

Date: Tuesday 26 July Time: 11.45am - 12.30pm Location: Link: https://myevents.nz/HealthNZ/buildingthefutureofhealth2

Briefing for interested stakeholders - Te Pātaka Whaioranga Pharmac - immune checkpoint inhibitor RFP for lung cancer • •

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Immune checkpoint inhibitor RFP for lung cancer – more information We will be running a session to explain the procurement process in some detail, answer any questions and welcome any feedback that would help contribute towards both a positive outcome and improving access to medicines for all New Zealanders. Please note that no decision has been made and that there would be full and further consultation on any funding proposal as a result of the RFP once we get to that stage. This will occur on Wednesday 10 August 2022 at 2 pm. This is an RSVP for the session. If you would like to attend, please respond to this email. Procurement procurement@Pharmac.govt.nz Please could you indicate your interest in this session by Monday 1 August. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested.

Dexamfetamine 5 mg tablets: brand change •

Pharmaceutical supplier API has notified Te Pātaka Whaioranga – Pharmac that they have closed their Auckland manufacturing plant and are withdrawing from the New Zealand

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market. This was not a decision Pharmac had control over – this was a commercial decision

by API. API supplied around 21 funded medications in New Zealand, including dexamfetamine 5 mg tablets.

We expect stock of the API brand of dexamfetamine to begin running out during August 2022, and people will need to change brands to continue with their treatment. We know that a brand change for this medicine is not ideal. However, our clinical experts have advised us that ongoing supply of dexamfetamine is essential.

Pharmac is working to secure long-term supply of dexamfetamine sulfate 5 mg tablets. We will keep you updated about this, but in the meantime, we are listing a short-term supply of Aspen’s brand of dexamfetamine 5 mg tablets on the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 August 2022.

This brand of dexamfetamine has the same active ingredient and strength but it not currently approved by Medsafe for use in New Zealand.

The Aspen brand of dexamfetamine sulfate 5 mg tablets is not currently approved by Medsafe for use in New Zealand. It will need to be prescribed and supplied under section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981.

Section 29 of the Medicines Act 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. This is also a requirement for dexamfetamine prescribing under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977. We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. In this case, however, this was the only way for Pharmac to ensure people could continue to access appropriate treatment. Pharmac has encouraged Aspen to get in touch with Medsafe about seeking the necessary consents for this brand.

However, this process takes time, and we are advised that approval may not be granted before supply of this brand commences. a. Dexamfetamine medicine notice - Pharmac website

Dr Chris Reid - realities of system change - General Practice NZ •

Missed Chris’s cat last Thursday? Watch it here.

Therapeutic & Natural Health Products update - July 2022 – Attached in Practice News.

Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers – Attached in Practice News.

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Supply issue update: Docusate sodium with sennosides (Laxsol) tablets Lorazepam 1 mg tablets: Supply issue Accuretic (quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide) tablets: Supply issue Dexamfetamine 5 mg tablets: brand change We want you! Expressions of Interest for Pharmac’s Advisory Committees Pharmac has widened access to the three antiviral treatments it funds for treating early COVID-19: nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid), molnupiravir (Lagevrio) and remdesivir, an infusion treatment (Veklury). Always check the criteria before prescribing as updates may have been made Ethosuximide (Zarontin) 250 mg capsules: Supply issue and temporary brand change Celecoxib (100 and 200 mg cap): Supply issue and new look Clonazepam oral drops (Rivotril): Supply issue Sodium citro-tartrate (Ural) Grans: Supply issue Olsalazine 250 mg and 500 mg capsule (Dipentum): Supply issue

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Ipratropium nebuliser (500 mcg/2 ml): Supply issue Risedronate tab 35 mg: Supply issue Gentamicin sulphate (Genoptic) eye drops 0.3%: Discontinuation Macrogol eye drops (Systane Unit Dose): supply issue Oestradiol (Estradot) patches: Supply issue Nutricia foods products: Supply issue affecting multiple products