Proposal for the supply of 500 mg and 850 mg metformin hydrochloride tablets

Extended consultation period

We have become aware that some groups were not directly notified when our original consultation on this proposal was released in February 2021. To ensure you have a chance to respond we are sending this document directly to groups that may not have received it and allowing additional time for responses.

This consultation was emailed to subscribers on 27 May 2021.

What we’re proposing

We are seeking feedback on a proposal to change to the funded brand of 500 mg and 850 mg metformin hydrochloride tablets currently supplied by Apotex New Zealand Limited (Apotex), following the announcement that it is leaving the New Zealand market.

This proposal would mean everyone using 500 mg and 850 mg metformin hydrochloride tablets would need to change brands to continue using a funded medicine. No changes are proposed to any dispensing or access restrictions that currently apply to this medicine.

Background

Apotex, a pharmaceutical supplier, has made the decision to leave the New Zealand market from late 2021. Apotex currently supplies a number of pharmaceuticals in New Zealand. We’ve been working to secure alternative brands of these medicines to ensure continuity of supply for people taking the medicines.

One of the medicines Apotex currently supplies to New Zealand is 500 mg and 850 mg metformin hydrochloride tablets. This proposal would mean that a funded brand of 500 mg and 850 mg metformin hydrochloride tablets would continue to be available to New Zealanders who need them.

Why we’re proposing this

Following Apotex New Zealand Limited’s announcement that it is leaving the New Zealand market, PHARMAC released a closed Request for Tenders on 1 October 2020. As a result of this procurement process and our analysis of the tender bids received, we have has entered into provisional agreements with a number of suppliers for the supply of various medicines including metformin hydrochloride.

Details about our proposal From 1 October 2021 Mylan New Zealand Limited’s brand of 500 mg and 850 mg  metformin hydrochloride tablets would be be listed in Section B (the Community) and Part II of Section H (the Hospital Medicines List) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule as follows:

If this proposal is progressed it would mean we would secure supply of 500 mg and 850 mg metformin hydrochloride tablets, however; it would mean people currently using 500 mg and 850 mg metformin hydrochloride tablets would need to transition to the proposed brand from 1 October 2021.

The proposed brand of 850 mg metformin tablets (Metformin Mylan) was previously funded in New Zealand between October 2015 and May 2019.

Prescribers would need to support people to change brands of medicine as a result of this proposal. Prescribers would be supported with information to manage the proposed brand change in this proposal.

To provide feedback

Consultation is a very important step in our process. When providing consultation feedback, you might want to think about:

• If there is any information that we could provide to help assist these changes.

Send us an email: consult@pharmac.govt.nz by 4 pm Monday 14 June 2021.

All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.

Your feedback may be shared

Feedback we receive is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). Please be aware that we may need to share your feedback, including your identity, in response to an OIA request. This applies to anyone providing feedback, whether they are providing feedback themselves or for an organisation, in a personal or professional capacity.

We can only keep feedback confidential as allowed under the OIA and other related laws. If you want any part of your feedback treated as confidential, you need to tell us. Please let us know if you want to keep part of your feedback confidential, and why. Is it commercially sensitive, confidential or proprietary, or personal information? Clearly state this and tell us which parts of your feedback you want to keep confidential for these reasons. We will consider your request under our OIA requirements.