Guild supports continued sale of non-prescription diclofenac

MEDIA RELEASE

23 January 2015

Guild supports continued sale of non-prescription diclofenac

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) supports the continued sale of non-prescription diclofenac tablets and capsules from community pharmacy despite classification changes overseas.

Recently in the United Kingdom the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) decided to reclassify non-prescription oral products containing diclofenac (used to treat pain and inflammation) as prescription-only medicine. This follows a European review that found there was a small but significant increased risk of cardiovascular side effects associated with diclofenac, particularly if used at high doses and for long-term treatment.

The product information for diclofenac was updated to reflect this new information.

In the United Kingdom there is no intermediate classification of pharmacist-only medicine like there is in New Zealand.

MHRA’s decision has no direct impact on New Zealand, where decisions about medicines are determined by Medsafe, taking into account the local pharmacy environment. Oral diclofenac has been classified in New Zealand as a non-prescription medicine for 22 years. Novartis Consumer Health is confident that the benefit-risk profile of oral diclofenac as a short duration, non-prescription medicine remains favourable and will continue to work with Medsafe to help ensure the safe and effective use of diclofenac.

Lee Hohaia, Guild Chief Executive says “We feel confident that patients are safe when purchasing this medicine from a community pharmacy because the sale is overseen by a highly trained health professional. “Pharmacists are medicines experts and community pharmacy is perfectly placed to provide convenient health care. Community pharmacists work within guidelines to ensure the safety of their patients and will refer patients to their GP as required. “In New Zealand we are extremely lucky to have access to the professional, accessible and affordable service our community pharmacists provide.”

ENDS

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