Pharmacists are urging Pharmac to increase transparency regarding medicine shortages linked to the Iran war.
The organization identified isosorbide mononitrate, used for angina, as the first medication facing shipping delays due to the conflict.
Clive Cannons from the Independent Community Pharmacy Group highlighted the critical nature of this medication, noting its widespread use and the seriousness of the shortage.
“Isosorbide is primarily prescribed for angina. It functions by dilating the arteries, allowing more blood and oxygen to reach the heart muscle, which is crucial for preventing angina attacks,” he explained.
Cannons mentioned that pharmacists had contacted Health New Zealand with concerns about medicine supplies when the Strait of Hormuz was closed, but had not received any response.
“There hasn’t been any direct communication with pharmacies that I’ve noticed. I had hoped to see a plan from Pharmac with various scenarios, similar to the government’s fuel plan, to reassure our patients, as they are starting to inquire about it. This would greatly help in alleviating some of the community’s worries right now,” he expressed.
Pharmac’s acting director of pharmaceuticals, Claire Pouwels, stated that the Ministry of Health is leading the health sector’s response to the Middle East conflict as part of a comprehensive government approach.
“Pharmac is collaborating closely with the ministry, Health NZ, and suppliers, along with wholesalers and distributors, to identify risks early and maintain a steady supply of medicines to New Zealand,” she added.
The agency routinely deals with supply issues, handling about 100 supply-related concerns each month, Pouwels mentioned.
“When a supply issue surfaces, we devise a management plan. We evaluate each situation individually, considering the potential duration of the issue, alternative funded medicines, stock levels of substitutes, the need for different suppliers, and how clinicians utilize the medicine,” she stated.
Pouwels indicated that the latest information on Pharmac’s response to the Middle East conflict is available on their website.
“We communicate through our website if we anticipate any patient impact. Our medicine supply notices page is kept current with details on supply issues that may affect the public, and it includes a filter for issues influenced by the conflict,” she explained.
“We also inform relevant clinicians, suppliers, and prescribers, and when appropriate, health sector advocacy groups. Pharmac is open to feedback on the information provided in our medicine supply notices,” she concluded.
