Pharmac Update Bespoke exceptional circumstances process for lamotrigine closing: current approvals extended indefinitely Pharmac changed the funded brand of higher strength lamotrigine in 2019. In response to feedback, a bespoke exceptional circumstances process was put in place. There are now more than 2,600 people using the Lamictal or Arrow-Lamotrigine brands of lamotrigine through this process (out of a total of almost 15,000 people taking lamotrigine). We are confident that people who were taking lamotrigine at the time of the brand change that needed to stay on their existing brand have been granted approvals so are closing the process on 1 September 2022. To ensure people with current approvals can continue to access their current brands, all approvals will be automatically extended indefinitely (no renewal applications will be needed). Logem will remain the only higher strength brand of lamotrigine (25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg) listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule at this time. Detailed information is available on the Pharmac website.
Pharmac Review The final report into the Pharmac Review has been released, and there is high interest in the Review and its outcomes. You can read the Review report and associated documents on the Pharmac Review website. The Government has also published its response to the Review Panel’s recommendations which you can find on the Ministry of Health Website. We look forward to the journey ahead, working together to further enhance Pharmac’s effectiveness and the confidence others have in our work.
We want you! Expressions of Interest for Pharmac’s Advisory Committees Pharmac is looking for new members for our Advisory Committees. Do you work in primary care and bring a commitment to and understanding of te Tiriti in healthcare? Pharmac’s Advisory Committees provide us with specialist knowledge and expertise within specific clinical areas, such as diabetes, cancer, and mental health. You can find more information about Advisory Committees roles and responsibilities on the Pharmac website. If you are interested in being involved in Pharmac’s clinical advice network, send an email to advisorycommittees@pharmac.govt.nz letting us know your specific clinical area(s) of interest.
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