Medsafe must fast-track an alternative thyroid drug

The Green Party is calling on Medsafe to use its powers under the Medicines Act to fast-track a safe alternative thyroid drug for the hundreds of New Zealanders reporting adverse reactions after being changed to a new formulation of thyroid medication Eltroxin.

“The present situation, where hundreds of New Zealanders are being forced to continue taking this medicine despite the significant range of adverse reactions experienced since the formulation changed - some of them debilitating - is untenable and indeed cruel,” Green Party MP Sue Kedgley said today.

“The number of New Zealanders reporting adverse reactions to Eltroxin is growing steadily. Many feel desperate, as they have no alternative but to take this medication, despite experiencing depression, lethargy, headaches, problems with vision, aches and confusion.

“GlaxoSmithKlein says they don’t have any alternative formulation to Eltroxin, so clearly the Government needs to source an alternative medicine from a different pharmaceutical company.

“There are a number of suppliers of the thyroid medications around the world, and Medsafe should fast track the process of finding an alternative supply and getting regulatory approval for use in New Zealand – if necessary through provisional regulations in section 29 of the Medicines Act,” Ms Kedgley says.