NPS News : Be aware: Perindopril + Amlodipine PBS listing differs from label
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17 May 2013
NPS MedicineWise has published information for health professional to clarify prescribing and dispensing guidelines for fixed dose combination products containing perindopril and amlodipine (Coveram and Reaptan).
The order in which the components appear in the Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT), which is used in PBS information and medical software packages, differs from the order on the manufacturer’s pack labelling. Caution is required to ensure the intended combination is accurately prescribed and dispensed.
Coveram and Reaptan are PBS listed as substitution therapy for the treatment of hypertension in a patient who is not adequately controlled with either of the drugs in the combination, and/or stable coronary heart disease in a patient who is stabilised on treatment with perindopril and amlodipine at the same doses.
Health professionals should note that the medicines were first listed on the PBS in June 2010 with the perindopril component listed first, and the current Product Information and label for each also list the components in this order, however the PBS listing was changed in December 2012 to reflect the preferred name under the Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) (i.e. amlodipine + perindopril).
For more information, read the NPS Direct article.