Methenamine hippurate (Hiprex) tablet: New packaging
There is a packaging change for the Hiprex tablets, with a new Pharmacode. This reflects its new status as a "pharmacist only / restricted" medicine.
What's changed
On 1 December 2024, Hiprex tablets changed from "general sale" to a "pharmacist only / restricted" product. This was a Medsafe decision.
Medsafe's announcement about the change of classification(external link)
In response, Radiant Health (the supplier) has updated their packs to be compliant with the new classification. These have a new Pharmacode number: 2671077. The new packs are available for supply.
New pharmacode funded from 23 January 2024
Pharmac funded the new Hiprex packs from 23 January 2024 (Pharmacode 2671077). The old packs, with Pharmacode 209538, will be de-listed on 1 July 2024.
Schedule listing for Hiprex(external link)
Claiming for the new packs
The Sector Operations Group won’t be able to process claims for January dispensing of the above listing. Pharmacies can either:
- hold these claims until February OR
- reclaim them in February when they are rejected for payment in January claims.
Who to contact
If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.
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