Rationale for defunding of Androderm 2.5mg Patches

Scout Barbour-Evans made this Official Information request to Pharmaceutical Management Agency

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From: Scout Barbour-Evans

Tēnā koutou Pharmac;

I am writing under the Official Information Act to ask what the rationale was for defunding 2.5mg androderm patches. If memory serves me right this happened between 2016 and 2017, but I can not find the information on your website.

While I am aware that 5mg patches are still available in New Zealand, I know that this dose is excessive for many people requiring consistent testosterone therapy, and that patches containing gel such as these can not be split in half as many doctors recommend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Scout Barbour-Evans

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From: Web Enquiry
Pharmaceutical Management Agency



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From: Web Enquiry
Pharmaceutical Management Agency

Hello Scout

Androderm 2.5mg patches were delisted from the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 March 2018.

In October 2016, the manufacturers proposed delisting Androderm 2.5 mg patch and providing Androderm 5 mg patch as a clinical alternative.

Clinical advice was sought from PHARMAC's Endocrinology Subcommittee in October 2016 which advised that the 5 mg patch would be a suitable clinical alternative. The Subcommittee advised that the usual dosage for patients is 5 mg and they are currently required to use two 2.5 mg patches daily. Injection and capsule presentations are available for patients who require a lower dose treatment as the patches cannot be cut.

I have checked the Medsafe website, and Androderm 2.5mg patches are still approved in New Zealand. The company is Teva Pharma, and their phone number is 0800 800 097. It may be worth contacting them to check if the 2.5mg patch is still available here.

I hope this information is helpful.

Kind regards

Jan Carey
PHARMAC

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