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Pharmac is reviewing how it funds medicines for people with exceptional clinical circumstances (including the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment - NPPA), and we want to hear from you. We’ve heard that the current Exceptional Circumstances Framework can be difficult to understand and doesn’t always work as well as it should. This review is an opportunity to improve how the framework operates, and your feedback is important. Nothing will change during the review - applications will...

Please find attached a memo outlining the rationale and clinical use of the above combination in adult patients. This has been developed by the Health NZ Antimicrobial Stewardship Working Group in partnership with the Te Whata Kura Development Team. We encourage you to share this information widely across your networks. Ngā mihi nui, Sharon Gardiner(on behalf of the Health NZ Antimicrobial Stewardship Working Group and the Te Whata Kura Development Team) Sharon Gardiner FPS, MClinPharm, PhD...

Macrolides were evaluated using individual patient-level data on asthma control, as well as on severe exacerbations and harms1. Evidence certainty followed GRADE. Across 19 trials (1825 patients), macrolides improved asthma control 40.6% vs placebo (21.6%); achieved a ≥ 0.5-point improvement (high certainty); likely reduced severe exacerbations (incidence rate ratio 0.75; moderate certainty); and modestly improved quality of life. Serious adverse events and mortality showed little to no...

Join our thriving urban practice in the Western BOP and work in a friendly and relaxed environment like no other! Nurse Practitioner required at Bethlehem Medical Centre Work Life Balance No weekends or after hours + protected time for administration Support to manage your inbox when you are away on annual leave. What We Offer An established patient list waiting for you. A chance to utilise the full repertoire of your NP skills in a supportive environment Access to our CME program and...

Hon Simeon Brown Minister of Health 12 May 2026 Recognising the extraordinary contribution of nurses International Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary role nurses play in caring for New Zealanders at every stage of life, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “Whether supporting patients in emergencies, caring for people in their communities, helping new parents, or delivering specialist treatment, nurses are there during some of the most important moments in...

Codeine phosphate (Noumed) 30 mg (Pharmacode: 2643219) There is stock available. We have had reports that some pharmacies have experienced restrictions on supply of codeine. The supplier is working with wholesalers to understand why this is happening. While stock may get low, we do not anticipate a complete outage. Colestyramine (Powder) 4 g sachet Supplies of colestyramine powder sachets will be limited (Pharmacode: 2662000). Pharmac is investigating funded alternatives. Rifampicin (Rifadin)...