Escitalopram: Supply issue and brand change

Affected product

The supplier cannot supply Medsafe-approved 10 mg Ipca-Escitalopram tablets currently. The same issue is expected to affect supply of the 20 mg tablets by early May 2024.

Miro, the supplier of Ipca-Escitalopram is working closely with Medsafe to meet the requirements to fully approve their product.

Alternative product

The 20 mg tablets have a score line so can be halved for two 10mg doses. Speak to your pharmacist or prescriber about whether this is a suitable alternative for you.

From 23 April 2024, the previous brand will be funded:  

• Presentation: Tab 10 mg
• Brand: Escitalopram (Ethics)
• Pharmacode: 2349310
• Subsidy: $1.07
• Measure / Qty: per 28

It should now be available for wholesalers to order from the supplier.  

We acknowledge that swapping multiple between brands is not ideal, we have done this to ensure people can still access treatment. Medsafe has assessed these medicines, they have confirmed that they have the same active ingredient, in the same amount, and that they work in the body the same way.  

For pharmacists

Please counsel anyone needing to swap back to the Ethics brand temporarily that this is the same medicine that they have been taking and it will work the same as the Ipca-Escitalopram brand.

Listing

This listing will not appear in the Online Schedule until it is updated for 1 May 2024.

• RxOne users: the changes will be automatically updated by RxOne from the effective date. 
• TONIQ users: the changes will automatically be updated in Toniq medicine databases from the effective date. 

Claiming

Sector Operations won’t be able to process claims for April dispensing of the above listing. Pharmacies can either:

• hold these claims until May OR
• reclaim them in May when they are rejected for payment in April claims.

Expected resolution

We are working closely with the supplier to understand when normal supply of Ipca-Escitalopram can resume.

Who to contact

If you have any questions about the brand change, talk to your pharmacist or the person who prescribes your escitalopram. They know you and your clinical history, they can offer you the best advice.

If you have questions about this supply issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz