What is in this Issue?
PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL DIGEST
JUNE 23 2023
1. Forthcoming Changes to the Distribu�on of RATs
2. Rare Disorders NZ June 2023 Newsleter
3. Proposal to Fund Medicines for Haemophilia A and Mul�ple Sclerosis
4. Bariatric Surgery – Nutri�on Supplements Supply Issues
5. Asthma in New Zealand 2023 Survey Findings
6. ACC Primary Care Provider Update June 2023
7. Regulatory Guidance for Health Professionals on Upcoming Controlled Drug Classifica�ons
8. Safe Access to Opioids Engagement
9. Updates for Pharmacists in General Prac�ce week ending June 16 2023
10. Top Weekend Viewing
Forthcoming Changes to the Distribution of RATs
• A system suppor�ng the provision of RATs has been RAT Requestor, an online tool giving access to free RATs for New Zealanders enabling people to pre-order and pick up publicly-funded/free RATs from a network of collec�on sites, tes�ng centres, general prac�ces and pharmacies.
• Ini�ally RATs were only available to those mee�ng eligibility criteria (symptoma�c and the household members of a case) but eligibility criteria were removed in July 2022 as part of the Winter Wellness package - all New Zealanders can access publicly-funded/free RATs.
• There are good stock levels of publicly-funded/free RATs, and all New Zealanders can source these from the distribution network, detailed on the Healthpoint website and on Te Whatu Ora’s local health websites –Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, without pre-ordering.
• As a result, the decision has been made to close RAT Requestor from June 30 2023, as it is no longer needed. From July 1 2023, RATs will no longer be able to be pre-ordered via RAT Requestor.
• Te Whatu Ora will con�nue to focus on suppor�ng priority and vulnerable groups most at risk and dispropor�onately affected by COVID-19. This includes ensuring access to tes�ng, including via the RATs distribu�on networks across Māori and Pacific NGOs.
• The 0800 222 478 phoneline will con�nue to operate and be focused on providing addi�onal support to priority and vulnerable groups, with informa�on and assistance to source RATs, including delivery if necessary.
• The primary source of informa�on to the public about where to collect publicly-funded/free RATs is Healthpoint. Another source is Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz) where informa�on on how to use RATs and how to manage risk and exposure to COVID-19 can also be found.
Rare Disorders NZ June 2023 Newsletter
See attached newsletter
Proposal to Fund Medicines for Haemophilia A and Multiple Sclerosis
Bariatric Surgery –
Nutrition Supplements Supply Issues
See attached information (x2)
• Telehealth services such as Healthline (0800 358 5453) and the Disability Helpline (0800 11 12 13 or text 8988) will con�nue to provide general health informa�on and advice on where to source RATs.
• Please see the atached Rare Disorders NZ newsleter for June 2023
• Pharmac are proposing to fund emicizumab (Hemlibra) for severe haemophilia A without FVIII inhibitors and ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) for primary progressive mul�ple sclerosis from October 1 2023.
• To provide feedback, please submit it in wri�ng by 5pm July 7 2023 to consult@pharmac.govt.nz.
• Medsafe has become aware that some of the bariatric mul�vitamins available in Aotearoa do not comply with two types of legisla�on:
o Dietary Supplements Regula�ons 1985
o Medicines Act 1981
• The Bariatric Surgery Nutri�on Supplementa�on June 2023 atachment provides advice on the different types of bariatric surgery and the recommended ac�ons for GPs.
• The Informa�on for Consumers atachment has been circulated for consumers and can be provided to pa�ents.
Asthma in New Zealand 2023 Survey Findings
• Results from the Asthma Founda�on’s recent survey show that post COVID-19, many New Zealanders are living with poorly controlled asthma and many are not accessing the basic care and management tools they need.
• You can read the media release here and the full report here
ACC Primary Care Provider Update June 2023
Regulatory Guidance for Health Professionals on Upcoming Controlled Drug Classifications
See attached information (x2)
Safe Access to Opioids Engagement - Release of Information
• Please click here to read the latest update that contains a reminder about the annual pricing upli� and �ps for invoicing as well as key issues and new ini�a�ves related to the sector.
• The atached a leter (and associated table) provides guidance to pharmacies and prescribers on the upcoming classifica�on changes for fentanyl, zopiclone and zolpidem on July 1, and for tramadol on October 1 2023.
• Please note this change is not related to any other work on the prescribing of opioids.
• Any ques�ons or concerns, please send to RPA.legisla�on@health.govt.nz
• Manatū Hauora's recently published summary of public engagement regarding proposed regulatory changes that impact access to prescription opioid medicines can be found here https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/safe-access-opioidsengagement-summary
• In response to an Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request, Manatū Hauora is releasing all of the written and online submissions that were received as part of this engagement, and unless regarded in an official capacity, all names, email contact information, and other identifiable information has been redacted.
Updates for Pharmacists in General Practice week ending June 16 2023
See full notice attached for wider information
• Manatū Hauora anticipates this information to be released Monday June 26 2023.
• He Ako Hiringa EPiC Youth Mental Health dashboard launched here (He Ako Hiringa)
• Transi�on to citrate-free Humira 40 mg prefilled pen
o The citrate-free Humira 40 mg prefilled pen will be funded from 1 July 2023
The Special Authority for the citrate-free formula�on will be the same.
o Any ques�ons, please email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz Supply Issue:
• Nutricia foods products Pharmac website
• Oxycodone hydrochloride tabs controlled-release 5 mg Pharmac website
• Prochlorperazine (Buccastem) 3 mg tablets Pharmac website
• Expressions of Interest for Pharmac’s Advisory Commitees:
o If you are interested in being involved in Pharmac’s clinical advice network, see Pharmac website, please send an email to advisorycommittees@pharmac.govt.nz outlining your specific clinical area(s) of interest.
• For up-to-date informa�on about supply issues please check the Pharmac website
Top Weekend Viewing
• This weekend’s viewing are all drama mini-series from ThreeNow. Enjoy!
o The Catch – S�ll grieving the death of his son in an accident, a proud fisherman is determined to keep his family together.
o Prodigal Son – A criminal psychologist knows how the mind of a killer works, his father just happened to be one.
o The Newsreader – Its 1986 in the cuthroat world of commercial television news and throws an ambi�ous reporter and newsreader together.