Large Number Of NZers Affected By Med Changes

Large Number Of New Zealanders Affected By Medication Changes

New Zealanders are experiencing arguably the largest medicine switch this country has ever seen. It began on January 1 for more than 200,000 people taking the most commonly used brand of omeprazole – a heart burn medication.

From May, funding changes will also affect the 250,000 people taking the cholesterol lowering medication LIPEX® (simvastatin, MSD) although patients could be switched from as early as today.

LIPEX is predominately used by people in the over 50 age group, and some of these patients may be amongst those New Zealanders also taking omeprazole. People using these medications will have to make a choice between switching to a Government funded generic or paying for their current medicines.

LIPEX is manufactured by Merck & Co Inc., known in New Zealand as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSDNZ). Merck Sharp & Dohme Medical Director Australia & New Zealand, Dr David Woolner, says "It is very important when changes like this happen, that people remember to keep taking their medication. Changes like this could lead to compliance issues where patients can become confused and stop taking their tablets. This is something we do not want to see occur, as patients have been prescribed medicines like LIPEX to help prevent heart attacks and strokes, and it is important they continue to take them as directed. If people have questions, they should see their doctor or pharmacist.

"For people taking LIPEX, this funding change means when they fill their prescription at the pharmacist, they are likely to receive a generic simvastatin medication instead of LIPEX. LIPEX will still be available for those people who do not want to change to a generic, however they will need to ask specifically for LIPEX. There will be a charge of approximately $20 per month for LIPEX medication."

Merck Sharp & Dohme Managing Director, Alister Brown, says, "While this funding change will impact a large number of patients it will also have a significant implication for pharmacists, doctors and nurses who will be working at the front line and explaining these changes to patients."

ENDS

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