PHARMAC today announced their decision to fund MacroBID® modified release nitrofurantoin capsules. MacroBID® is a modified release nitrofurantoin containing nitrofurantoin macrocrystals and nitrofurantoin monohydrate for the treatment of acute, symptomatic uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The funding announcement notes that:
"Nitrofurantoin standard-release 50 mg and 100 mg tablets are currently funded and usually are taken four times a day. The new modified-release formulation of nitrofurantoin only needs to be taken twice a day, meaning that treatment is more convenient for people and it is likely that more people will complete their course of treatment. We anticipate this is likely to lead to reduction in treatment failures and it will provide a more suitable treatment option for uncomplicated urinary tract infection"
Te Arai BioFarma Chairman Dr. Lance Gravatt stated "UTI's are one of the most common infections presenting to primary care in New Zealand, as well as a frequent cause for hospital presentation. Products for the management of infectious diseases is a key part of the mission of our family company. We strive to not only minimise suffering caused by infectious diseases but also to ensure the safe stewardship of antibiotics for decades to come."
MacroBID® will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 March 2021.
For more information:
The full PHARMAC notification is available here.
Te Arai BioFarma Ltd 0800 TE ARAI.
MacroBID® is a Prescription Medicine. For full information please consult the Medsafe website and product data sheet at www.medsafe.govt.nz. MacroBID® is a registered Trademark of the Alvogen Group of companies.
Te Arai BioFarma is a New Zealand owned family company created to improve access to Medicines for New Zealanders.