Decision to fund candesartan with hydrochlorothiazide

We're pleased to announce that from 1 July 2023 Pharmac will fund candesartan cilexetil with hydrochlorothiazide tablets for people with high blood pressure through an agreement with Arrotex Pharmaceuticals (NZ) Limited for its Apo-Candesartan HCTZ brand of candesartan cilexetil with hydrochlorothiazide tablets.

Candesartan cilexetil with hydrochlorothiazide will be fully funded without restriction, which means that from 1 July 2023 it will be available for any New Zealander who needs it.

This proposal follows an interruption to the supply and subsequent recall of the Accuretic brand of quinapril with hydrochlorothiazide. People who have been impacted by this interruption of supply and people using other funded anti-hypertensive medicines will have the option of transitioning to candesartan cilexetil with hydrochlorothiazide.

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