Dear Prescriber There is a current short-term supply issue affecting diclofenac sodium tab 75 mg longacting (Apo-Diclax), with stock running out at pharmacy level. PHARMAC is working with the supplier, Apotex, to resolve this issue. Apotex are expecting further supply of diclofenac sodium tab 75 mg long-acting in late January 2019. To assist in managing the available stock, we’re asking prescribers to prescribe an alternative presentation of diclofenac until further notice. This will reduce the need for pharmacists to contact prescribers to amend prescriptions for the 75 mg presentation. There are four other fully funded oral presentations of diclofenac sodium, which remain available: • • • •
Diclofenac sodium tab EC 25 mg (Diclofenac Sandoz) Diclofenac sodium tab 50 mg dispersible (Voltaren D) Diclofenac sodium tab EC 50 mg (Diclofenac Sandoz) Diclofenac sodium tab long-acting 100 mg (Apo-Diclo SR)
Dispensing restrictions Pharmacies have been dispensing the 75 mg long-acting tablets in monthly lots (plus repeats) since 1 November 2018. However, this measure alone has not been enough to prevent supplies running out at some pharmacies. There are no dispensing restrictions on the other presentations of diclofenac. We thank you for your assistance in managing this. We will update you as soon as we have more information. If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact PHARMAC at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz or call 0800 660 050. Kind regards
Dr Bryan Betty Deputy Medical Director
A1228664
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