Arrow-Lamotrigine 5 mg: Discontinuation

Lamotrigine is used to treat epilepsy and some mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder.

What is changing?

Teva is discontinuing supply of the 5 mg Arrow-Lamotrigine tablet. Their stock expires on 30 September 2020. There is another brand of lamotrigine 5 mg tablet funded. This is the Lamictal brand, supplied by GSK.

  • Supply of the 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg Arrow-Lamotrigine tablets are unaffected by this discontinuation.
  • The 2 mg and 5 mg doses Lamictal brand of lamotrigine tablets are funded and available.

Normally, we like to give prescribers, pharmacists and those taking the medicine more time to make a brand change. We apologise for the lack of notice. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused to people or their whānau.

PHARMAC is reviewing how we receive information about discontinuations. We want to avoid late notice whenever possible.

Information for people taking Arrow-Lamotrigine 5 mg tablet

The Lamictal 5 mg dose works in the same way as the Arrow-Lamotrigine 5 mg tablet. It has the same active ingredient and is delivered to the body in the same way. Taking two different brands of lamotrigine at the same time should not alter the effectiveness of lamotrigine.

It’s understandable that you might have questions about changing your medicine. You shouldn’t notice any difference when you change to Lamictal. If you have any questions or concerns about changes to medicines, talk with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Information for prescribers

Health care professionals play an important role in supporting patients through changes to their medicines. Thank you for your support on this brand change.

PHARMAC recommends the CME-accredited training module called 'Beyond the Brand'.

Key points to tell your patients about Lamictal:

  • Lamictal 5 mg tablets work in the same way as Arrow-Lamotrigine 5 mg tablets.
  • They have the same active ingredient which is delivered to the body in the same way.
  • People shouldn’t notice any difference in how it affects them.
  • Most people taking 5 mg tablets are using the Lamictal brand.

Who to contact

If you or your whānau are taking Arrow-Lamotrigine 5 mg, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist about the change of brand.