Clozapine: Proposed changes to blood monitoring and prescribing requirements - consultation questions for consumers and families

Overview

This Medsafe consultation seeks your feedback on proposed changes to the blood monitoring for clozapine. We are running this consultation on behalf of the companies that distribute clozapine-containing medicines in New Zealand.

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia that has not responded to other antipsychotics (treatment-resistant schizophrenia). For safety reasons, there are restrictions around clozapine use in New Zealand and other countries. In some people, clozapine can lower the number of white blood cells, such as neutrophils (neutropenia) which increases the risk of severe infections. Currently, people taking clozapine must have regular blood tests throughout treatment to check for this side effect. The blood test results are required before the pharmacist can dispense clozapine to the person.

Who can take part?

This consultation is for people taking clozapine. A family member or caregiver can also answer on someone’s behalf. There is a separate consultation for health professionals here.

To assist in the analysis of submissions, Medsafe will only accept submissions made through this consultation website. However, we have attached the consultation document below as a PDF, and you can view it online, download it and/or print it.