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Tens of thousands of people taking Accuretic because of high blood pressure need to switch to another drug. (File photo)
Approximately 36,000 New Zealanders need to change their blood pressure medications after being contaminated with carcinogens.
Pharmac said that nitrosamines have been detected in acuretics, resulting in supply problems.
The “global problem” has led to voluntary recalls in other countries, including Australia, the United States and Canada.
Published by supplier Pfizer, Accuretics are typically used to lower blood pressure and were initially designed to prevent stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.
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Nitrosamines were thought to increase the risk of cancer in people who took them over a long period of time, but Medsafe advised that people who took Accuretic were “low risk.”
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Lisa Williams, Pharmac’s Operations Director, said Accurate users need to talk to their doctor about alternative treatments the next time they need a prescription.
“We want, first and foremost, to give patients access to funded treatments,” she said.
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Medsafe advises that people taking Accuretic are “low risk”. (File photo)
“We know that when a drug is said to contain contaminants, it causes anxiety for those taking it. [but] We want to reassure them that they are okay to take Acculetic and should continue to take it until they can receive the new treatment prescribed by their GP. ..
“There is a much greater health risk associated with the sudden discontinuation of blood pressure medication.”
Accuretic consists of quinapril, which relaxes blood vessels, and hydrochlorothiazide, which allows users to produce more urine.
According to Williams, Pharmac has been working with Pfizer for several months to see if alternative products containing these substances could be secured.
“Unfortunately, this is a global issue, so we can be sure that there are not enough alternative brands available in New Zealand and that there is no pollution.
“This means that there are currently no direct chemicals accepted on behalf of New Zealanders taking this drug.”
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Experts have advised that Pharmaclosartan, which contains hydrochlorothiazide, is a suitable alternative for most patients. According to Williams, this was funded and approved by Medsafe.
“Pharmac has received a guarantee from its supplier, Teva, that it has sufficient inventory of losartan, including hydrochlorothiazide, to accommodate patients migrating from Accuretic.
“There are also sufficient angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) with other alternative funds to meet the additional demand from people changing from acuretic.”
Williams said he knew that the healthcare sector was in a “huge” tension.
Turning tens of thousands of Accuretic users into alternative treatments would add to that tension, she said.
“We want clinicians to move patients to alternative medicine as soon as possible. We really appreciate the support we know that both clinicians and pharmacists provide to patients.”
Pharmac did not answer questions about how, when, and where pollution occurred. In his statement, a spokesperson said it was discovered during a compulsory evaluation of all products.
“Pfizer understands the challenges this situation poses to wholesalers, pharmacies, and patients. We are fully aware of the importance of this drug to our patients and of the safety and quality of the drug. We are working to secure it. “