Published: 8 June 2018
Publications
Medicine Classification Update – November 2017
Prescriber Update 39(2): 31
June 2018
There were a number of medicine classification changes recommended at the 59th meeting of the Medicines Classification Committee (MCC), held on 7 November 2017.
The following substances were reclassified:
- Hydrocortisone 1% w/w is now a pharmacist-only medicine when combined with aciclovir 5% w/w in packs of not more than 2 g for dermal use in adults or children aged 12 years and older for the treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores).
- Penciclovir is now a general sale medicine but only in preparations containing 1% or less for the treatment of herpes labialis in packs containing 10 g or less.
- Patent blue V is now classified as a prescription medicine for injection when used in diagnostic procedures.
The MCC considered a proposal to amend the classification statement for influenza vaccine to include registered nurses. A valid objection was received following the meeting, and the proposal has been withdrawn.
The MCC made a recommendation to reclassify medicines containing codeine as the only active ingredient to a restricted medicine (with conditions) and to reclassify medicines containing codeine with other ingredients to prescription.
The current classification of codeine will remain unchanged until a notice is published in the New Zealand Gazette. All products containing codeine as the sole active ingredient will remain a prescription medicine and controlled drug until the gazette notice is published.
Any updates on the reclassification of codeine will be published on the Medsafe website (www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/class/ReclassificationOfCodeine.asp).
See the Medsafe website for further information on the classification process and the minutes of MCC meetings (www.medsafe.govt.nz/committees/mcc.asp).
Check the classification of an ingredient using the classification database (www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/class/classintro.asp).
