Lamotrigine brand information

Background

The funded brand of higher strength lamotrigine (25 mg, 50 mg, and/or 100 mg) changed from three brands to Logem in October 2019. In response to feedback, we set up a bespoke exceptional circumstances process to assess funding for Lamictal or Arrow-Lamotrigine so people could remain on their original brand. 

Out of a total of almost 15,000 people currently taking higher strength lamotrigine, more than 2,600 people are currently using these alternative brands through the bespoke process. 

Exceptional circumstance process closed

The bespoke exceptional circumstances process for alternative brands of lamotrigine closed on 1 September 2022. We are confident that approvals have been granted through this process for people who were taking Lamictal or Arrow-Lamotrigine at the time of the brand change and needed to stay on their existing brand. 

We've granted indefinite funding approval so the people using alternative brands can stay on their brand. 

There is no need to reapply for funding as this will be automatic. 

Ongoing availability of other brands

We are committed to funding Lamictal and Arrow-Lamotrigine for people with current exceptional circumstances approvals so they do not have to change brands. 

We have secured a supply agreement with Teva for Arrow-Lamotrigine to ensure its continued availability. We have not yet been able to secure an agreement with GSK for the ongoing supply of Lamictal (25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg), but we will continue to fund it as long as GSK keeps it available in New Zealand. 

While our exclusivity contract for Logem expires on 30 June 2022, it will remain the only higher strength brand listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule at this time. 

What this means for people taking lamotrigine

• If you are taking funded 25 mg, 50 mg, and/or 100 mg Lamictal or Arrow-Lamotrigine under exceptional circumstances, Pharmac will continue to fund your current brand. 
• If you are already taking the funded Logem branded Lamotrigine, you can continue to access your medicine as you do now.
• There are no changes to the funding of 2 mg and 5 mg Lamictal. 
• You do not need a nominated pharmacy. Any pharmacy can dispense funded Lamictal and Arrow-Lamotrigine.
• If you are starting on higher strength lamotrigine (25 mg, 50 mg, and/or 100 mg), you’ll be dispensed the listed brand, Logem.

Details for healthcare professionals

Prescribers do not need approval from Pharmac to change the lamotrigine dose for a person with exceptional circumstances funding approval. 

Pharmacists can dispense lamotrigine at a dose different to that specified on the approval. 

Any pharmacy can dispense and claim for Lamictal or Arrow-Lamotrigine for a patient with an exceptional circumstances funding approval. There is no need to have a nominated pharmacy for Lamictal or Arrow-Lamotrigine. 

Subsidy claims for lamotrigine with exceptional circumstances approvals are processed the same way as a Special Authority approval. 

Pharmac can still consider applications for alternative brands of funded medicines for individual patients via the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA) process. 

Who to contact

If you have any questions, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz