Paradex and Capadex will be withdrawn from NZ

Paradex and Capadex will be withdrawn from New Zealand market on 1 August 2010

Please attribute this statement to Dr Stewart Jessamine, Group Manager, Medsafe

On 1 August 2010, the consents to distribute medicines containing dextropropoxyphene (Capadex and Paradex) in New Zealand will be revoked.

Medsafe announced last month that a statutory review of the safety and efficacy of these medicines found that the risks of their use outweighed any possible benefit. In order to protect the health of New Zealanders, these medicines would be withdrawn.

Medsafe Group Manager Dr Stewart Jessamine said it was recognised that time was needed to manage the care of patients. After consultation with clinicians from the Royal College of General Practitioners, it has been decided that consent to distribute these medicines will be revoked on 1 August 2010. It was felt that this date should allow doctors sufficient time to transfer their patients safely onto alternative treatments.

The action in New Zealand follows the withdrawal of medicines containing dextropropoxyphene in the European Union and in Singapore.

Medsafe advises that patients currently taking Capadex or Paradex should discuss their ongoing treatment with their doctor.

As with all medicines, consumers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report all suspected adverse reactions to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring.

ENDS

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