MAYNE Pharma has raised concerns about patients receiving Lozanoc (itraconazole) capsules in hospital being discharged with generic scripts rather than ones which specify the brand, so when they fill the prescription at the local pharmacy, they may not receive the correct dose of active ingredient.
The company highlighted the Apr 2019 edition of the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines, which states that "Oral preparations of itraconazole are not bioequivalent; appropriate dosing and administration depends on the preparation...in these guidelines, the Lozanoc formulation of itraconazole capsules is recommended in preference to conventional itraconazole formulations due to superior bioavailability and because it is not affected by pH".
A Mayne Pharma spokesperson told PD that in particular, Lozanoc 50mg capsules and conventional itraconazole 100mg capsules are not interchangeable, having different dosing effects and conditions of use; for example, Lozanoc can be taken with or without food whereas conventional itraconazole cannot.
Lozanoc is easily identified being a solid blue capsule, and where the pharmacist is unsure, they should confirm with the prescribing doctor, the company suggested.
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