TGA to Cancel Four Prescription Pain-killers from 1 March 2012

22 November 2011

The TGA intends to cancel all pain-killers containing dextropropoxyphene – Capadex, Di-Gesic, Doloxene and Paradex – from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), from 1 March 2012.

Following a review of the available evidence, the TGA found that the safety risks of using pain-killers (analgesics) containing dextropropoxyphene outweighed the benefits.

Cancellation from the ARTG means that these prescription medicines can no longer be supplied by their Australian sponsors, Aspen Pharma Pty Ltd and Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd. Capadex, Di-Gesic, Doloxene and Paradex will become unavailable for use.

Alternative pain-relieving medicines are available. People using Capadex, Di-Gesic, Doloxene or Paradex should plan with their doctor to move to alternative pain relief well before 1 March 2012.

The cancellation date has been set so that patients can move safely to alternative treatments – there is a risk that patients who have been taking these medicines for some time may experience withdrawal symptoms by stopping suddenly.

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TGA to Cancel Four Prescription Pain-killers from 1 March 2012