MedsafeFriday 26 March 2010, 12:35PM
Media release from Dr Stewart Jessamine, Group Manager,
Medsafe
On 1 August 2010, the consents to distribute medicines containing
dextropropoxyphene (Capadex and Paradex) in New Zealand will be
revoked.
Medsafe announced last month that a statutory review of the safety
and efficacy of these medicines found that the risks of their use
outweighed any possible benefit. In order to protect the
health of New Zealanders, these medicines would be withdrawn.
Medsafe Group Manager Dr Stewart Jessamine said it was recognised
that time was needed to manage the care of patients. After
consultation with clinicians from the Royal College of General
Practitioners, it has been decided that consent to distribute these
medicines will be revoked on 1 August 2010. It was felt that this
date should allow doctors sufficient time to transfer their
patients safely onto alternative treatments.
The action in New Zealand follows the withdrawal of medicines
containing dextropropoxyphene in the European Union and in
Singapore.
Medsafe advises that patients currently taking Capadex or Paradex
should discuss their ongoing treatment with their doctor.
As with all medicines, consumers and healthcare professionals are
encouraged to report all suspected adverse reactions to the Centre
for Adverse Reactions Monitoring.