Patients get easier access to antidepressant

Media Release 18 January 2007

PHARMAC decision gives patients easier access to antidepressant

Patients will have easier access to a widely used antidepressant, following a PHARMAC decision to fund the generic form of paroxetine.

Paroxetine is currently funded in New Zealand as the Aropax brand. It is currently used by about 49,000 New Zealanders, and accounted for more than half of the $29 million spent on antidepressants last year.

From 1 April 2007, PHARMAC will begin phasing in the Loxamine brand, supplied by Pacific Pharmaceuticals, which will become the only subsidised brand after 1 September 2007.

PHARMAC's Deputy Medical Director Dr Dilky Rasiah says the change will have two major effects - easier access and significant savings.

"Firstly, it will mean people will have easier access to this widely used antidepressant. At present, people prescribed paroxetine for the first time need to have previously had a trial of fluoxetine, another antidepressant. Once Loxamine is funded, it will not be subject to this requirement, which will give people easier access to it," she says.

"Secondly, this is a decision that will free up some $45 million over the next three years for spending on other pharmaceuticals and other health services."

Dr Rasiah says that testing has shown the Loxamine brand to be bioequivalent to Aropax. "This means the only changes people should notice are the shape and packaging of their pills," she comments.

The change from Aropax to Loxamine will take place in three stages. From 1 April Loxamine will be funded without need for endorsement, while Aropax will remain fully funded only by endorsement. On 1 June, Aropax will only be subsidised to the same level as Loxamine, which may mean Aropax has a manufacturer's surcharge. Finally, from 1 September 2007, Loxamine will be the only brand funded.

The agreement with Pacific will see Loxamine funded for at least three years.

ENDS

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