Roche New Zealand

Generic Name:   tocilizumab
Therapy:            rheumatoid arthritis

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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

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Disease Area

Actemra^® (tocilizumab) is a Prescription Medicine for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  Actemra is administered as an intravenous infusion (IV drip) by a healthcare professional. 

Actemra should not be used if you have had an allergic reaction to Actemra, other recombinant antibodies, proteins of hamster origin or any of the ingredients listed on the medicine pack; or if you have an active, severe infection.  Tell your doctor if you have current infection or history of infections; or plan to have or have recently had a vaccination; or are on a controlled sodium diet; or are pregnant or breastfeeding; or are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives; or have any other health problems, including liver disease, tuberculosis (TB), diverticulitis, intestinal ulcers, low white cell or platelet count, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, or cancer.

Possible unwanted effects include: Common: mild fever or chills; high blood pressure (felt as headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears); rash or itching; headache; cough; blocked or runny nose; sore throat; dizziness; nausea; indigestion; stomach pain; constipation; diarrhoea; cold sores; mouth or skin blisters; mouth ulcers; skin infection.  Rare (serious): difficulty breathing, chest tightness or wheezing; severe light-headedness; severe skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of face, lips or mouth; signs of serious infection such as severe fever and chills, severe stomach ache or persistent headaches; signs of bleeding from the stomach or intestines such as severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, bleeding from your rectum, black sticky bowel motions, bloody diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor if Actemra is right for you.  If symptoms continue or if you have side effects or would like further information, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz for Actemra Consumer Medicine Information.  Actemra (80 mg/4 mL and 200 mg/10 mL vials) is administered in a hospital.  The funding of Actemra depends on individual hospital budgets.  Please discuss with your doctor whether your hospital may fund Actemra, or whether you may need to pay for this medicine.

Generic Name:   flumazenil
Therapy:            reversal of sedation


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:  bevacizumab
Therapy:   angiogenesis inhibitor - used to treat metastatic (spreading) colorectal, kidney,
                  breast, brain and lung cancers

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Disease Area

Avastin^® (bevacizumab) is a Prescription Medicine used to treat metastatic (spreading) colorectal, kidney, breast, brain and lung cancers. 

Avastin should not be used if you have had an allergic reaction to Avastin, any of its ingredients or other antibodies, or if you have been coughing or spitting up blood. Tell your doctor if you have inflammation of the bowel or stomach ulcers; high blood pressure; a history of bleeding, blood clots, stroke or a blocked lung artery; have had major surgery in the last 28 days or a wound that has not healed properly; are pregnant or breast feeding; have heart disease, have ever received anthracylines (e.g. doxorubicin) for cancer or radiotherapy to your chest; or are >65 years of age. 

Possible unwanted effects: Common: high blood pressure, body pain, tiredness/weakness, diarrhoea, constipation or rectal bleeding, nausea, sore mouth or mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, wheezing, runny, blocked or bleeding nose, dry, scaling or inflamed skin, change in skin colour, rash, itching/hives on skin, taste changes, sore, inflamed or watering eyes, dizziness/faintness, headache , changes in your voice, fever. Serious (rare): severe body or stomach pain or cramps, headache, severe diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, coughing or spitting up blood, pain and/or swelling in the lower legs, feet or hands, severe bleeding; problems with your would healing, seizures, sleepiness/drowsiness, abscesses, severe infections, feelings of numbness or tingling in feet or hands, dry mouth with thirst and/or darkened urine, heart problems with difficulty breathing. 

Ask your oncologist if Avastin is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or if you experience side effects or would like further information, please talk to your oncologist or pharmacist, or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz for Avastin Consumer Medicine Information. Avastin (100mg in 4mL and 400mg in 16 mL vials) is an unfunded medicine, you will need to pay for this medicine. A prescription charge and normal oncologist fees may apply.

Generic Name:   mycophenolate mofetil
Therapy:            transplantation - immunosuppressant used in transplantation


CellCept belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants are used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, and work by stopping the immune system from reacting to the transplanted organ. When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. CellCept works by preventing the white blood cells from getting rid of the transplanted organ.

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Disease Area

After a transplant, patients will need to take drugs (immunosuppressant agents) daily for the rest of their lives to prevent their new organ from being rejected. There are a number of different immunosupressant agents. Most patients will usually take about three of these. The best combination will be chosen to suit the individual.

Roche has a long term commitment to improving the success rate of organ transplantation while enhancing the health and quality of life of those who have transplants. Our products are designed to support the long term survival of transplanted organs without compromising patients’ health and quality of life in other ways.

For related information visit:

The New Zealand Organ Donor website

CellCept^® (mycophenolate mofetil) is a Prescription Medicine used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs.

Tell your doctor if you: have severe kidney disease, a history of serious stomach or bowel problems, Lesch-Nyhan or Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome, a history of sun spots or skin cancers, phenylketonuria; are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Possible unwanted effects: Common: diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, indigestion; headache; acne; hair loss, itchy skin; dizziness; shaking; inability to sleep. Serious: anxiety or depression; infection (fever, inflammation, sweating, chills or flu-like symptoms); anaemia (excessive tiredness, dizziness or pale); swelling in legs, arms or face; unexplained bleeding; urinary infection or blood in urine; irregular heartbeat, chest pain; cold sores; vomiting; stomach, back, muscle or other pain; skin changes, especially in moles or freckles; clumsiness; weakness; change in vision or speech.

Ask your doctor if CellCept is right for you. Use strictly as directed and if you experience side effects or would like further information please talk to your doctor or pharmacist or visit http://medsafe.govt.nz/ for CellCept Consumer Medicine Information. CellCept (250 mg capsules, 500 mg tablets, 500 mg powder for solution for infusion and 500 mg/mL oral suspension) is a funded medicine for patients who meet pre-defined criteria. A prescription charge and normal doctor’s fees apply.

Generic Name:   ribavirin
Therapy:            hepatitis - antiviral for hepatitis C infection


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   ganciclovir
Therapy:            transplantation - antiviral used in transplantation for cytomegalovirus (CMV)


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   carvedilol
Therapy:            heart disease - beta and alpha receptor blocker for chronic heart failure


Dilatrend is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure and angina (a severe chest pain).

Dilatrend belongs to a group of medicines called beta blockers. These medicines work by relaxing tightened blood vessels and slowing the rate of heart beat.

When used with other “heart” medicines, Dilatrend reduces the pressure that the heart has to pump against as well as controlling the heart rate. Over time this will reduce the size of an oversized heart and increase its efficiency. Dilatrend helps to stop heart failure getting worse and reduces the chances of you being admitted to hospital and/or dying from this disease.

More Information

The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Disease Area

Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood strongly enough for the body’s needs. Often the heart gets bigger to try to improve the blood flow, but this can make the heart failure worse. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath and swelling of the feet and/or legs due to fluid build-up. About 1-2% of adult New Zealanders suffer from heart failure, with around 12,000 hospital admissions per year.

For related information visit:

The National Heart Foundation website

Dilatrend^® (carvedilol) is a Prescription Medicine for the treatment of heart failure.

Dilatrend should not be used if you have: lung disease or asthma, liver disease, heart rhythm disorders, or low blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have: diabetes, low blood pressure, very poor circulation, angina or chest pain, poor kidney function, thyroid disorders, psoriasis, a history of severe allergic reactions causing breathing difficulties, or pheochromocytoma.

Possible unwanted effects: Common: fatigue, dizziness, feeling faint; headache; fluid build-up/swelling, weight gain; abnormal heart beat; feeling sick, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea; vision abnormalities, dry or sore eyes; pain in fingers and toes; if you are diabetic, worsening of blood glucose levels. Serious: shortness of breath; swelling of mouth, tongue, feet or legs; uneven heart beat; bleeding or bruising more than normal, cold extremities; chest pain; depressed mood; sleep disturbances; loss of bladder control.

Ask your doctor if Dilatrend is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you experience side effects or would like further information, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist or visit http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/ for Dilatrend Consumer Medicine Information. Dilatrend 6.25mg, 12.5mg and 25mg tablets is a funded medicine. A prescription charge and normal doctor’s fees will apply.

Generic Name:   enfuvirtide
Therapy:            HIV - fusion inhibitor for the treatment of HIV


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Disease Area

Fuzeon^® (enfuvirtide) is a Prescription Medicine for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Fuzeon is used in combination with other anti-HIV medicines.

Tell your doctor if you have any health problems including kidney disease or poor liver function.

Possible unwanted effects (common): local injection site reactions such as itchiness, swelling, redness, pain, tenderness, hardened skin, or lumps; diarrhoea, feeling sick, weakness or tiredness. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience: signs and symptoms of an infection, including fever, sore throat, chills, and weight loss. Symptoms of a chest infection may also include cough, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath.

Ask your doctor if Fuzeon is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If you experience side effects or would like further information please talk to your doctor or pharmacist or visit http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/ for Fuzeon Consumer Medicine Information. Fuzeon 108mg vials is a funded medicine under Special Authority for patients who meet pre-defined criteria. A prescription charge and normal doctors visit fees will apply.

Generic Name:   trastuzumab
Therapy:            cancer - tumour selective treatment for early and metastatic HER2-positive
                           breast cancer


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Disease Area

For related information visit:

The New Zealand Cancer Society website

Herceptin® (trastuzumab) is a Prescription Medicine used to treat patients with early breast cancer and metastatic (spreading) breast cancer who have tumours with a large amount of the HER2 protein.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, arrhythmia (an abnormal or rapid heart beat), angina (feeling pain, tightness, heaviness or pressure in the chest), or any other type of heart disease; lung tumours or disease; if you are taking are currently taking any other medicines for cancer, or if you have previously received treatment for cancer with medicines such as anthracyclines or cyclophosphamide; or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or plan to become pregnant or breast-feed.

Herceptin should not be used if you have had an allergic reaction to Herceptin, any of its ingredients, or to any medicines that are made using Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Possible unwanted effects: Common: infusion reactions such as chills, shivering, fever, nausea, vomiting, pain or discomfort (e.g. in the stomach, back, chest or neck), stiffness or shaking, weakness and soreness in muscles or joints, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, cough, hives, skin rashes or itchy skin, weakness or fatigue, abnormal or fast heart beat, or feeling faint. After an infusion: any of the side effects above, swelling of the feet or legs, difficulty sleeping or feeling anxious or depressed, worsening cough, runny, blocked or bleeding nose, cold- or flu-like symptoms, chest infection, pain when urinating or needing to urinate more often, diarrhoea, weight loss, hair loss, nail problems, sweating, sore throat, acne, bone pain, loss of appetite, changes in your sense of taste, constipation, indigestion, tingling, numbness, redness, drying or peeling of the hands or feet, mouth ulcers or cold sores, discharging or itchy eyes. Serious: high temperature or fever, shortness of breath or having difficulty breathing, wheezing, a sore throat with chills and fever that does not get better, sudden signs of allergy, severe coughing, chest pain spreading to the arms, neck, shoulder and/or back, abnormal or fast heart beat, severe diarrhoea or vomiting, feeling faint, severe skin infections.

Ask your Oncologist if Herceptin is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or if you experience side effects or would like more information, please talk to your Oncologist or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz for the full Herceptin Consumer Medicine Information. Herceptin (150mg and 440mg vials) is a funded medicine for the treatment of HER2-positive early or metastatic breast cancer. A prescription charge and normal Doctor's fees may apply.

Generic Name:   trastuzumab
Therapy:            cancer - tumour selective treatment for metastatic gastric cancer

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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Disease Area

For related information visit:

The New Zealand Cancer Society website

Herceptin® (trastuzumab) is a Prescription Medicine used to treat patients with metastatic (spreading) cancer of the stomach who have tumours with a large amount of the HER2 protein. Stomach cancer is also known as gastric cancer.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, arrhythmia (an abnormal or rapid heart beat), angina (feeling pain, tightness, heaviness or pressure in the chest), or any other type of heart disease; lung tumours or disease; if you are taking are currently taking any other medicines for cancer, or if you have previously received treatment for cancer with medicines such as anthracyclines or cyclophosphamide; or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or plan to become pregnant or breast-feed.

Herceptin should not be used if you have had an allergic reaction to Herceptin, any of its ingredients, or to any medicines that are made using Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Possible unwanted effects: Common: infusion reactions such as chills, shivering, fever, nausea, vomiting, pain or discomfort (e.g. in the stomach, back, chest or neck), stiffness or shaking, weakness and soreness in muscles or joints, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, cough, hives, skin rashes or itchy skin, weakness or fatigue, abnormal or fast heart beat, or feeling faint. After an infusion: any of the side effects above, swelling of the feet or legs, difficulty sleeping or feeling anxious or depressed, worsening cough, runny, blocked or bleeding nose, cold- or flu-like symptoms, chest infection, pain when urinating or needing to urinate more often, diarrhoea, weight loss, hair loss, nail problems, sweating, sore throat, acne, bone pain, loss of appetite, changes in your sense of taste, constipation, indigestion, tingling, numbness, redness, drying or peeling of the hands or feet, mouth ulcers or cold sores, discharging or itchy eyes. Serious: shortness of breath or having difficulty breathing, wheezing, a sore throat with chills and fever that does not get better, sudden signs of allergy, severe coughing, chest pain spreading to the arms, neck, shoulder and/or back, abnormal or fast heart beat, severe diarrhoea or vomiting, feeling faint, severe skin infections.

Ask your Oncologist if Herceptin is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or if you experience side effects or would like more information, please talk to your Oncologist or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz for the full Herceptin Consumer Medicine Information. Herceptin (150mg and 440mg vials) is an unfunded medicine for the treatment of HER2-positive gastric cancer. You will need to pay for this medicine, plus any prescription charge and normal Doctor's fees.

Generic Name:   midazolam
Therapy:            sleep inducing agent


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet

Generic Name:   midazolam
Therapy:            sleep inducing agent


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet

Generic Name:   cilazapril
Therapy:            heart Disease - ACE Inhibitor for the treatment of raised blood pressure


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   cilazapril + hydrochlorothiazide
Therapy:            heart Disease - ACE Inhibitor and diuretic for the treatment of raised blood pressure


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

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Generic Name:   phytomenadione (synthetic vitamin K₁)
Therapy:            pro-coagulant factor


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   mefloquine
Therapy:            anti-malarial


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   rituximab
Therapy:            cancer - tumour selective treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and chronic
                           lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)

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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

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Disease Area

For related information visit:

Roche New Zealand's Cancer website

MabThera^® (rituximab) is a Prescription Medicine used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (types of blood cancer). 

MabThera should not be used if you have had an allergic reaction to MabThera, proteins of mouse origin or any of the ingredients listed on the medicine pack.  Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; or have had any immunisation recently; or are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives; or have any other health problems including: heart disease, certain blood disorders (e.g. low white blood cells or platelets), hepatitis B or lung disease.

Possible unwanted effects include: Common (during the infusion or a few hours afterward):  fever, chills and severe shivering; nausea; fatigue; headache; runny nose; pain at the tumour site; skin rash or itchiness; shortness of breath; swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat; drop in blood pressure; flushing; pain at site of infusion.  Common (at any time):  dizziness; insomnia, agitation, or anxiety; anaemia; pain in stomach, chest, back or neck; aching, weak, tender or stiff muscles; painful or swollen joints; indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea; difficulty swallowing; loss of appetite or weight loss; cough; sweating or night sweats; tingling, numbness or decreased sensitivity of the hands or feet; bleeding or bruising more easily; high blood sugar; high blood pressure; fast or irregular heart beat; throat irritation or mouth ulcers; watery or itchy eyes; pain or buzzing/ringing in the ears; infections.  Rare (serious): severe skin rash, itching, hives; severe swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat, hands, feet or ankles; severe shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing; frequent infections; numbness of the face; severe vision or hearing loss; vision loss with headaches; confusion and seizures; problems thinking or memory loss; changes in the way you move, walk or talk; decreased strength or weakness; severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, yellowing of skin and eyes, light coloured bowel motions, dark coloured urine.

Ask your doctor if MabThera is right for you.  Use strictly as directed.  If symptoms continue or you experience side effects or would like further information please talk to your doctor or pharmacist or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz for MabThera Consumer Medicine Information.  MabThera (100 mg/10 mL and 500 mg/50 mL single use vials) is a funded medicine under Special Authority for patients who meet pre-defined criteria. A prescription charge and normal doctor’s fees may apply.

Generic Name:   rituximab
Therapy:            rheumatoid arthritis


More Information

The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the DataSheet.

Disease Area

MabThera^® (rituximab) is a Prescription Medicine for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  MabThera is administered as an intravenous infusion (IV drip) by a healthcare professional.

MabThera should not be used if: you have had an allergic reaction to MabThera, other proteins of mouse origin, or any other ingredients listed on the medicine pack, or you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines to control blood pressure; plan to have or have recently had a vaccination; or if you have any other health problems, including heart disease, lung disease, current/history of infections, and hepatitis B.

Possible unwanted effects include: Common: fever, chills, headache, drop in blood pressure felt as dizziness or fainting, high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, swelling and or pain of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat causing difficulty in swallowing/breathing, throat irritation, swelling of the feet or legs, shortness of breath/cough, nausea, flushing, runny nose, sneezing, skin rash/itchiness, feeling tired.  Rare (serious): severe fever or chills, with sore throat or mouth ulcers; severe skin rash/itching; swelling of mouth/throat which causes difficulty in breathing; face numbness; problems thinking or memory loss;  changes in the way you move, walk or talk; decreased strength or weakness; severe vision or hearing loss; severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.

Ask your doctor if MabThera is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or if you have side effects or would like further information, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz for MabThera Consumer Medicine Information.  MabThera (100 mg/10 mL and 500 mg/50 mL vials) is administered in a hospital.  The funding of MabThera depends on individual hospital budgets.  Please discuss with your doctor whether your hospital may fund MabThera, or whether you may need to pay for this medicine.

Generic Name:   levodopa/benserazide
Therapy:             Parkinson’s disease


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   naproxen
Therapy:             non-steroidal anti-inflammatory


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

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Generic Name:   epoetin beta
Therapy:            anaemia-correction agent for renal anaemia caused by chronic kidney disease


NeoRecormon contains the active ingredient epoetin beta (recombinant human erythropoietin). The active ingredient in NeoRecormon is a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

NeoRecormon is used to treat anaemia in people with kidney disease. Anaemia is a condition in which the amount of oxygen-carrying haemoglobin and number of red blood cells in the blood is below normal.

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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).
Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Disease Area

Anaemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a reduction in their haemoglobin content. Haemoglobin is the pigment that carries the oxygen in the red blood cells – oxygen is required for the body to function. Anaemia has a wide variety of causes such as in chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys fail to produce the required amount of erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is the hormone that stimulates bone marrow to make red blood cells. Anaemia can also occur in premature infants and as a side effect of cancer treatment.

To help you better understand chronic kidney disease and renal anaemia, we have developed a selection of tools for both patients and health professionals, available www.roche.co.nz/renalanaemia

For related information visit:

The New Zealand Kidney Foundation website

NeoRecormon^® (epoetin beta) is a Prescription Medicine used to treat anaemia in people with chronic kidney disease. NeoRecormon is a solution for injection, available in pre-filled syringes containing 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 10,000 international units of epoetin beta.

NeoRecormon should not be used if you have high blood pressure that is not well controlled or phenylketonuria. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding; if you have had problems with other erythropoietin-type medicines; or if you have any other health problems, especially the following: blood clotting diseases, high blood pressure, cancer, epilepsy, liver disease, a deficiency in folic acid or vitamin B12, or high levels of aluminium in the blood.

Possible unwanted effects include: Common: changes in iron levels (symptoms may include feeling tired, lacking energy or looking pale), headache, bleeding or bruising more easily, swollen arms, feet or legs, stinging around the injection area, chest or throat infection, cough, weakness, nausea and vomiting, pain with urination or increased urgency/frequency of urination. Rare: flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headaches, tiredness, pain in arms and legs, bone pain and / or generally feeling unwell) which can happen at the start of treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: stabbing migraine-like headache, heart symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, double vision, dizziness or tingling of hands and feet, or sudden and severe signs of allergy (wheezing, difficulty breathing, swollen tongue, face or throat). These may be serious side effects and you may need urgent medical attention. Ask your doctor if NeoRecormon is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue, you have side effects or would like further information, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist or visit http://medsafe.govt.nz for NeoRecormon Consumer Medicine Information. NeoRecormon is a funded medicine under Special Authority for patients who meet pre-defined criteria. A prescription charge and normal Doctor’s fees may apply.

Generic Name:   pegfilgrastim
Therapy:            cancer - supportive treatment in chemotherapy


Neulastim is a long-acting form of Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor or G-CSF. G-CSF is produced by the body in the bone marrow and assists in the production of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell.

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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Disease Area

Neulastim^® (pegfilgrastim, 6 mg in 0.6 mL PFS) is a Prescription Medicine used for reducing the duration and incidence of neutropenia (decrease in white blood cells) and infection, in patients treated with chemotherapy.

Neulastim should not be used if you have had an allergic reaction to Neulastim, filgrastim (Neupogen^®), E. coli-derived proteins or any of the ingredients listed on the medicine pack; if you are currently receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or have received chemotherapy in the last 24 hours. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, including myelodysplastic syndrome, leukaemia, spleen problems, sickle cell disease, you are receiving high dose chemotherapy, you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Possible unwanted effects: nausea, vomiting, headache, bone, joint or muscle pain; swelling, pain or itching at injection site; skin rash or red itchy spots, breathlessness, difficulty breathing, pain in the chest area.

Ask your doctor if Neulastim is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you experience side effects or would like further information, please talk to your health professional or visit http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/ for Neulastim Consumer Medicine Information. Neulastim is a funded medicine for patients who meet pre-defined criteria. A prescription charge and normal specialist fees may apply.

Neulastim is sold under license from Amgen Inc. Neulastim is a trademark of Amgen Inc.

Generic Name:   filgrastim (G-CSF)
Therapy:            cancer - supportive treatment in chemotherapy

More Information

The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

For related information visit:

Roche New Zealand's Cancer website

Generic Name:   peginterferon alfa-2a
Therapy:            hepatitis - pegylated interferon for hepatitis B and C


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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

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Disease Area

For related information visit:

The New Zealand Hepatitis Foundation

Pegasys^® (peginterferon alfa-2a) is a Prescription Medicine used to treat chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C, which are viral infections of the liver. In hepatitis B, Pegasys is usually used alone. In hepatitis C, Pegasys is recommended to be used in combination with ribavirin (Copegus^®) tablets.

Pegasys should not be used if: you have autoimmune hepatitis, decompensated cirrhosis (severe liver disease), the patient is under 3 years of age, or if you have had an allergic reaction to alfa interferons, products derived from the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) or other ingredients in Pegasys. Pegasys is not recommended for pregnant women; effective contraception is recommended for females while they are taking Pegasys. Tell your doctor if: you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed, or you have any other health problems including: mental illness or history of mental illness (including depression), liver, kidney, heart or thyroid disease, breathing difficulties, autoimmune disorders, psoriasis (a skin disease), low levels of red or white blood cells or platelets, HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or eye or vision problems.

Possible unwanted effects include: Common: flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite or weight, nausea, diarrhoea or stomach pain, hair loss, itching, rash or dry skin, reactions at the site of injection, headache or dizziness, muscle or joint aches, pain, breathlessness, cough or sore throat, tiredness, weakness, fever, chills or shaking, trouble concentrating or sleeping, feeling anxious or nervous, irritability, depression, blurred vision, eye inflammation, dryness or pain of the eye, blocked, runny or bleeding nose, bleeding or bruising more easily, impotence, ringing or noise in the ears. Rare (serious): chest pain or difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heart beats, severe changes in emotions or mood, seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not there, suicidal thoughts or attempt, strange or disturbing thoughts or moods, anaemia (e.g. feeling tired, headaches, looking pale), a red, itchy, blistery rash, loss of consciousness, blood in stools.

Ask your doctor if Pegasys is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you experience side effects or would like further information please talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz for Pegasys Consumer Medicine Information. Pegasys (180mcg/0.5mL or 135mcg/0.5mL pre-filled syringes) is a funded medicine in patients who meet pre-defined criteria. A prescription charge and normal doctor’s visit fees will apply.

Generic Name:   dornase alfa
Therapy:            cystic Fibrosis – enzyme that reduces lung secretions


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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Disease Area

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The Cystic Fibrosis Association of New Zealand

Pulmozyme^® (dornase alfa 2.5mg/2.5mL solution for inhalation) is a Prescription Medicine used to improve lung function in cystic fibrosis patients.

Possible unwanted effects: voice hoarseness, sore throat, hayfever-like symptoms, conjunctivitis (sore, red, weeping eyes), high temperature, indigestion, skin rash, itchiness or hives. Chest pain, breathlessness, and cough. When you first start using Pulmozyme, your lung function may get worse and you may cough up more mucus.

Ask your doctor if Pulmozyme is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or if you have side effects or would like further information please talk to your doctor or pharmacist or visit http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/ for Pulmozyme Consumer Medicine Information. Pulmozyme is funded by Special Authority for patients approved by the Cystic Fibrosis DN’ase Advisory Panel. A pharmacy charge and normal doctor’s fees will apply.

Generic Name:   clonazepam
Therapy:            epilepsy


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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   calcitriol
Therapy:            osteoporosis


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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   interferon alfa-2a
Therapy:            interferon for certain cancers and hepatitis


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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   naproxen sodium
Therapy:            non-steroidal anti-inflammatory


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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   oseltamivir
Therapy:            influenza


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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Disease Area

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Have I Got Flu?

Tamiflu^® (oseltamivir 75 mg capsules and 12 mg/mL oral suspension) is a Prescription Medicine for the treatment and prevention of influenza (flu) in adults and children 1 year of age and older. Tamiflu can be sold in a pharmacy, without a prescription, between the months of April to September inclusive, by a registered pharmacist who is satisfied that the medicine is for the treatment of a consumer who is resident in New Zealand, is 12 years of age or more, and currently has symptoms of influenza.  Treatment should begin within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Do not take Tamiflu if you have had it in the past and experienced an allergic-type reaction while taking it. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have kidney disease or hereditary fructose intolerance. Possible side effects: Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and headache. In children, in addition to above, ear problems or infection, nose bleeds, discharge from eyes and breathlessness or wheezing. Rare: Sudden signs of allergy such as rash, swelling of face, lips or tongue. Chest infection with fever, chills and shortness of breath. Yellowing of the skin, dark coloured urine or severe stomach pain. Diarrhoea with blood. Patients or their caregivers should look out for signs of abnormal behaviour (convulsions, delirium, severe confusion).

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if Tamiflu is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects or would like further information, please contact your health professional or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz for Consumer Medicine Information. Tamiflu is an unfunded medicine. You will need to pay for this medicine. A consultation fee may apply.

If you have experienced a suspected side effect to Tamiflu, please report this via the following link http://report2.roche.com

Generic Name:   erlotinib
Therapy:            cancer - oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor for lung cancer


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Disease Area

Tarceva^® (erlotinib) is a Prescription Medicine used to treat advanced or metastatic (spreading) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after previous treatment with chemotherapy. Tell your doctor if: you have liver or kidney problems, are a smoker, have had stomach ulcers or inflammation of the bowel wall, are intolerant to lactose, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are taking other medicines, or if you have had an allergic reaction to Tarceva or any of its ingredients.

Possible unwanted effects: Common: tiredness, loss of appetite, itching, dry skin, eye irritation, nose bleeds, unusual hair loss, and swelling around the nails. These are generally mild and short-lived. You should contact your doctor if you notice the following and they worry you: rash, diarrhoea, cough, nausea, vomiting, or dehydration (dry skin, dark coloured urine, thirst, weakness, fatigue or loss of appetite). These are generally short-lived but may be persistent or get worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice the following: shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, infection with fever/chills, stomach pain, or pain, redness, swelling or sores in the mouth. Serious: severe/persistent diarrhoea, nausea, loss of appetite or vomiting; severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, bleeding from your rectum, black sticky bowel motions, or bloody diarrhoea; sudden onset of new or worsening breathing difficulties, with cough or fever; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and dark coloured urine; blisters on the skin especially in the nose, mouth and eyes; a red or purple rash that spreads; eye pain. These may require urgent medical attention.

Ask your specialist if Tarceva is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or if you experience side effects or would like further information, talk to your specialist or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz for Tarceva Consumer Medicine Information.  Tarceva (100mg and 150mg tablets) is funded under Special Authority for patients with NSCLC who meet predefined criteria. A prescription charge and normal doctors fees apply.

Generic Name:   ornidazole
Therapy:            anti-microbial


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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   valganciclovir
Therapy:            transplantation - antiviral used in transplantation for cytomegalovirus (CMV)

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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet

Generic Name:   tretinoin
Therapy:            cancer - used for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia


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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Generic Name:   capecitabine
Therapy:            cancer - an oral chemotherapy used for colorectal, breast and gastric cancers


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The following links will take you to the Medsafe website for further information:

Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Disease Area

Xeloda^® (capecitabine) is a Prescription Medicine used to treat bowel and rectum (colorectal), oesophagus, stomach and breast cancer. Xeloda may be used alone or in combination with other cancer medicines.

Xeloda should not be taken if you: have had a reaction in the past to any of the ingredients in Xeloda, have severe kidney disease, are taking a medicine called sorivudine or brivudine, or have allergies to other fluoropyrimidine medicines such as 5-fluorouracil, have dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. Tell your doctor if you: are pregnant or breastfeeding, have heart, liver, or kidney disease; diarrhoea or dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry skin, dark coloured urine, thirst, weakness or fatigue, loss of appetite.

Possible unwanted effects: Common: tiredness, weakness; rash, dry or itchy skin; abdominal (gut) pain; fever; constipation; headache; dizziness; reduced appetite, weight loss; hair loss; watery or irritated eyes; taste disturbance; indigestion; dry mouth; nail disorders; sore throat, cough, nose bleeds; shortness of breath; muscle and joint pain. Serious (common): severe diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting; pain, redness, swelling of hands/feet (hand-foot-syndrome); pain, redness, swelling or sores in the mouth (stomatitis). Serious (rare): chest pain; irregular heart beat; confusion; poor balance or lack of co-ordination; blood in the faeces; signs of infection (fever, redness) or liver disease (yellow eyes/skin).

Ask your oncologist if Xeloda is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you experience side-effects or would like further information, please talk to your oncologist or visit http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/ for Xeloda Consumer Medicine Information. Xeloda (150mg and 500mg tablets) is a funded medicine for patients who meet pre-defined criteria. A prescription charge and normal oncologist’s fees may apply.

Generic Name:   orlistat
Therapy:            weight management - gastro-intestinal lipase inhibitor used for weight control


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Consumers: view the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

Health Professionals: view the Data Sheet.

Disease Area

Xenical^® (orlistat 120mg capsules) is a Pharmacist Only Medicine for weight loss/control in adults with an initial BMI > 30.

Common side effects: abdominal pain/discomfort, wind, fatty/oily stools, rectal pain/discomfort, urgent need to go to the toilet and low blood glucose. Do no use if you have problems absorbing nutrients or with your bile flow.  Tell your pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines. 

Ask your pharmacist if Xenical is right for you. Always read the label and use strictly as directed. If you have side effects please see your pharmacist. For further information visit http://www.xenical.co.nz/.