Decision to list a new brand of labetalol
PHARMAC has made a decision to fund a new brand of labetalol tablets (Presolol). This is to replace the currently funded brand of labetalol tablets (Hybloc), which is being discontinued by its supplier.
What we are doing
PHARMAC has made a decision to fund a new brand of labetalol tablets (Presolol). This is to replace the currently funded brand of labetalol tablets (Hybloc), which is being discontinued by its supplier.
Presolol has not been registered by Medsafe. PHARMAC is working to secure supply of a registered brand of labetalol.
Who we think will be most interested
- Clinicians who treat preeclampsia and hypertension, especially during pregnancy.
- Patients with preeclampsia or hypertension during pregnancy, or are otherwise taking labetalol.
- Suppliers of labetalol, wholesalers, and pharmacists.
Detail about this decision
The currently funded brand of labetalol tablets (Hybloc) is being discontinued by its supplier. PHARMAC has arranged for stock of an alternative brand of labetalol tablets (Presolol) to be funded and listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
From 1 June 2019, the following presentations of the Presolol brand of labetalol tablets will be listed, both in Section B and Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule:
|
Chemical |
Presentation |
Brand |
Price/subsidy (per 100 tab) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Labetalol |
Tab 100 mg |
Presolol |
$11.36 |
|
Labetalol |
Tab 200 mg |
Presolol |
$29.74 |
Presolol is not Medsafe registered, so Presolol will need to be supplied under Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981. Details regarding the use and supply of unregistered medicines is available from the Medsafe website(external link). Community pharmacies will be able to claim wastage on dispensing. PHARMAC will continue to investigate supply of a Medsafe-registered labetalol tablet.
As previously announced, Hybloc 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg tablets will be delisted from 1 August 2019, 1 December 2019, and 1 February 2020. Presolol is not available in a 50 mg tablet. Once the Hybloc 50 mg tablet is delisted there will be no labetalol 50 mg tablet strength listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. Clinicians will need to transition any patients on labetalol 50 mg to another treatment.
Enquiries
If you have any questions about this decision, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz; or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.