Availability of Gliclazide

HPS Pharmacies wish to advise that multiple suppliers are experiencing a supply interruption for gliclazide tablets, as follows.

Gliclazide 60mg modified-release tablets are not affected by this supply interruption and remain available.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has implemented a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) to help manage this situation. The SSSI allows pharmacists to supply gliclazide 60mg modified-release tablets while the 30mg tablets are unavailable, providing the conditions of the SSSI are met, including:

• The patient, or person acting on behalf of the patient, must be given suitable instructions regarding dose administration of the substituted medicine, i.e. 60mg tablets should be halved to obtain a 30mg dose; and
• When the 60mg tablets must be halved, instructions should be given to split the tablet along the score line to maintain the modified-release properties of the tablet. The halved tablet must then be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken further.

This SSSI is in force until 31 July 2024, unless revoked earlier by the TGA. Information on PBS arrangements is available on the PBS Medicines Shortages page.

Retain this notice in a prominent position, including in other related business units until supplies return to normal. Report any problems identified with medicines, vaccines or medical devices to the TGA.

Should you require further information regarding this matter, please contact your pharmacist at HPS Pharmacies.

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