Two further treatments for depression to be funded in New Zealand

PHARMAC, the Pharmaceutical Management Agency of New Zealand, is adding two further treatments for depression to the Pharmaceutical Schedule from December 1, 2010. Sertraline and escitalopram, which are now both off patent, are both being funded without restriction for patients with depression, the agency noted.

Both medicines are of the antidepressant class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Three SSRI antidepressants are already funded. PHARMAC medical director Peter Moodie says sertraline and escitalopram will be useful additions to the funded treatment options doctors have for patients with depression.

“All these medicines have very similar effectiveness but some may be more suitable for some people than others,” he says, noting that “funding two further treatments widens choice and will make it easier for doctors to tailor treatment for their patients. The clinical advice we have received is that both sertraline and escitalopram may be more effective for some patients, while also being better tolerated by some patients.”