PHARMAC is seeking feedback on the development of pharmaceutical labelling preferences (PHARMAC labelling preferences).

By establishing labelling preferences, PHARMAC aims to:

• support the Ministry of Health to reduce preventable harm from medication errors and improve patient safety;
• provide guidance and therefore transparency to suppliers on PHARMAC’s labelling preferences when considering a pharmaceutical for funding;
• ensure a consistent approach to the assessment of pharmaceutical labelling when reviewing samples, particularly during our tender processes; and
• align with international best practice.

PHARMAC would work alongside the Ministry of Health, including Medsafe, to ensure its labelling preferences align with any new regulatory requirements. The Ministry is currently developing a new regulatory regime for therapeutic products, following the decision to cease efforts on the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency (ANZTPA). This new regime could result in changes to labelling requirements.

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmac.health.nz/news/consultation-2015-06-30-labelling-preferences/