Alphabetic listing concern
June 25, 2013
THE PSA, Pharmacy Guild, AMA
and PDL are among a group of
organisations which have written
to the Department of Health and
Ageing, urging immediate action in
relation to recent changes of the
generic description of multi-active
PBS medicines to an alphabetical
listing in the schedule.
A copy of the letter obtained
by Pharmacy Daily details major
concerns over the move.
“Alphabetising the listing of active
ingredients in multi-active products
to be consistent with Australian
Medicines Terminology (AMT) has
resulted in the generic descriptions
imported by software vendors
from the PBS data to be displayed
for drug selection in a manner
conflicting with the packaging and
product description approved by
the TGA,” the letter says.
This results in listing incorrect
information regarding the strength
of the ingredients, and raises the
possibility of the incorrect item
being supplied, the group added.
The issue has already been raised
with the DoHA in the first week
of May, as soon as safety issues
with Coveram and Reaptam were
identified (PD 06 May).
Other items identified as causing
problems include Daivobet
Ointment, Prednefrin Forte Eye
Drops, Panadeine Forte and
generics, Duotrav Eye Drops and a
range of oral contraceptives.
“The changes already implemented
have caused significant confusion
and consternation with health
care professionals, and increases
the safety risks to consumers
from potential supply errors,”
the letter adds, urging an urgent
reversal of the arrangements and a
consultation with stakeholders.
The peak bodies also suggest that
the TGA be consulted as a priority
over the issue, in relation to its
current review into the labelling
and packaging of medicines.
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