Despite limited indications, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid remains the second most used antibiotic in Aotearoa after amoxicillin. Inappropriate use of antibiotics may stem partly from meeting patient expectations for treatment. Read our case study to find out more.

Antimicrobial resistance presents an imminent threat to the future of New Zealanders’ wellbeing and access to effective, safe healthcare. This article describes initiatives for improving antimicrobial stewardship, the New Zealand antimicrobial prescribing landscape as it stands, and actions that can be taken immediately in primary care.

The ACE inhibitor cilazapril will soon be delisted – new alternatives include ramipril capsules and an 8mg perindopril tablet.

This article summarises recent and upcoming changes to ACE inhibitor availability, and provides a dose equivalence table and advice for switching between medicines.

Available evidence indicates that Evusheld is useful against only a small number of the variants of COVID-19 in New Zealand. It is not routinely recommended for use and will only remain available for ordering until the stock has expired. Pharmac continues to review this regularly.

New guidelines were published in 2020, incorporating recent advances in the management of asthma and recognising inequities in asthma care experienced by Māori and Pacific peoples. This article discusses current recommendations from the Asthma & Respiratory Foundation NZ. 

The antihypertensive medicine Accuretic (quinapril with hydrochlorothiazide) is being withdrawn (Pfizer pulled stock from distribution on 31 October 2022).

Prescribers are advised to change patients from Accuretic to alternative medicine(s) with some urgency. Read our article for dose equivalence tables and information on switching, monitoring, co-payments and consultation fees.

This workbook consists of introductory reading and five distinct modules that encourage you to reflect on your CVD risk assessment and management practices, risk communication, cultural safety, and your engagement with young adult Māori and Pacific patients.

In this article, Dr Jim Vause contemplates managing CVD risk, reasons for non-adherence, inequities in CVD treatment, and how to improve communication with patients. 

This article summarises the 2022 changes regarding adalimumab funding and access in New Zealand. It also provides some background and resources to foster confidence in biosimilars, and references real-world data from studies of patients changing from Humira to Amgevita.

Rosuvastatin is now fully funded on Special Authority for people at increased risk of cardiovascular complications due to high cholesterol, and may be considered first-line for Māori and Pacific peoples.

An abridged version of this article, containing the eligibility flowchart, is available for printing - see the link in the contents box.