Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers for the week ending 29 July 2022 Supply issue update: Docusate sodium with sennosides (Laxsol) tablets The supplier of Laxsol tablets has advised of continued supply challenges due to a shortage of raw materials and global freight issues. The supplier has noted that further stock can be made available in early August 2022. However, we expect that it will be depleted very quickly. We also understand that this supply disruption is leading to knock-on stock shortages for the contracted Coloxyl brand. Our expert clinical advisors suggest that there may be suitable alternatives, including macrogol-3350 sachets (Molaxole), lactulose and bisacodyl. Where appropriate, please consider using alternatives while this supply issue persists. More information can be found on the Pharmac website.
Lorazepam 1 mg tablets: Supply issue The supplier of lorazepam 1 mg tablets (brand name Ativan) has notified Pharmac of a supply issue affecting this medicine. There is currently a two-week supply of lorazepam 1 mg tablets in New Zealand. The supplier has advised Pharmac that supply is not expected to resume until early to midAugust 2022.
Dispensing restriction To help distribute the remaining supply of lorazepam 1 mg tablets as fairly as possible throughout New Zealand, we have asked pharmacists to dispense a maximum of 7 days’ supply at a time.
Alternative funded treatments We are advised that alternative funded treatments might be suitable for some patients who are using lorazepam for longer periods. These may include diazepam and clonazepam. Some clinicians may consider temporarily transitioning patients to half a 2.5 mg tablet, although this represents a 25% increase in dose-per-tablet. (The 2.5 mg tablets are scored for simpler halving.) This will require a new prescription. We will keep the Medicine Notices section of the Pharmac website up to date as more information about this supply issue becomes available.
Accuretic (quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide) tablets: Supply issue From August 2022, Accuretic supply in New Zealand will begin to be disrupted. People using Accuretic must get a new prescription to change to an alternative high blood pressure medicine. Clinicians should move their patients to a suitable alternative medicine as soon as possible. We really appreciate the support that we know both clinicians and pharmacists will provide to their patients. A resource about this change has been published by He Ako Hiringa. This includes information on dose equivalency between Accuretic and other funded treatment options.