THE Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised that Presolol 200 (labetalol 200mg) tablets (Alphapharm), used to treat all grades of hypertension, are in shortage due to manufacturing issues.
The regulator has approved the supply of overseas-registered labetalol hydrochloride 200mg tablets to ensure ongoing access to this essential medicine.
A new Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) is now in place to allow pharmacists to dispense a different strength of the labetalol tablets prescribed in an equivalent quantity - if appropriate - without a new script, as well as the overseas-registered 200mg tablets.
PBS subsidies may be affected, as Presolol 200 tablets and the overseas-registered alternative are not subsidised on the PBS.
Similarly, if a patient has a non-PBS prescription for Presolol 200 and is given Presolol 100 by a pharmacist, they will not receive a PBS subsidy despite 100mg tablets being listed on the PBS.
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