Accuretic

The medication Accuretic has been contaminated by a cancer-causing substance and those who take it must switch to another drug.

“Pfizer understands the challenges that this situation poses to wholesalers, pharmacies, and patients. And those articles are free. We fully recognise the importance of this medicine to our patients and are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our medicines.” “We are asking clinicians to move their patients to alternative medicines as soon as possible and we really appreciate the support that we know that both clinicians and pharmacists will provide to their patients.” Although nitrosamine was believed to increase the risk of cancer in those who took it over a sustained period, Medsafe had advised there was a “low risk” to those who took Accuretic. “We want to ensure, first and foremost, that patients can continue to access funded treatment,” she said.

New Zealand's drug buying agency is alerting almost 36,000 people taking a blood pressure medication that they will need to change treatments due to ...

"We are asking clinicians to move their patients to alternative medicines as soon as possible, and we really appreciate the support that we know that both clinicians and pharmacists will provide to their patients." "We know that our healthcare sector is currently under a huge amount of strain, and that changing this many people to alternative treatments will add to that strain. "Medsafe has advised us that there is no immediate risk to people who are taking Accuretic, and they should continue with their treatment until they find an alternative because the risk associated with suddenly halting blood pressure medication exceeds that presented by the contaminant."

A common medicine taken to manage blood pressure is being recalled after it was found to contain a carcinogen.

"There's time for people to make this change" - Lisa Williams People taking Accuretic were being advised to consult their doctor about an alternative treatment when their next prescription was due. "There's time for people to make this change" - Lisa Williams duration 3:11

Pharmac says those taking Accuretic will need to consult with their doctor about an alternative treatment.

"We know that our healthcare sector is currently under a huge amount of strain, and that changing this many people to alternative treatments will add to that strain. "Unfortunately, because it's a global issue, no alternative brand is available in sufficient volumes for New Zealand and that can be verified as being free from contamination. Those taking Accuretic will need to consult with their doctor about an alternative treatment when they're next due for a prescription.

The medication Accuretic has been contaminated by a cancer-causing substance and those who take it must switch to another drug.

“Pfizer understands the challenges that this situation poses to wholesalers, pharmacies, and patients. And those articles are free. We fully recognise the importance of this medicine to our patients and are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our medicines.” “We are asking clinicians to move their patients to alternative medicines as soon as possible and we really appreciate the support that we know that both clinicians and pharmacists will provide to their patients.” Although nitrosamine was believed to increase the risk of cancer in those who took it over a sustained period, Medsafe had advised there was a “low risk” to those who took Accuretic. “We want to ensure, first and foremost, that patients can continue to access funded treatment,” she said.