A widely used heart medication is facing a supply change in Australia, with its 360 mg controlled-release capsule products being discontinued over manufacturing issues.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration said Sanofi-Aventis Australia was withdrawing both Cardizem CD 360 mg and Vasocardol CD 360 mg.

“We understand the news of this discontinuation may cause concern for people who use diltiazem 360 mg controlled-release capsules,” the TGA said.

Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure and chronic stable angina.

The heart medication Cardizem CD 360 mg has been unavailable since June.

Vasocardol CD 360 mg will be discontinued from November 1, with reduced supply expected until remaining stock runs out.

The TGA has introduced a “Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument” to keep patients on treatment.

For the next 12 months, pharmacists can honour existing 360 mg prescriptions with two 180 mg controlled-release capsules without requiring a new prescription.

The changes took effect on October 1 and will remain in place for 12 months.

“We hope this SSSI will give patients enough time to arrange ongoing treatment changes with the health care professional who prescribes their medicine,” the TGA said.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing said the shortage system is designed to give the regulator early warning of potential supply problems.

“Pharmaceutical companies are obligated to notify the TGA about current and anticipated supply disruptions of prescription and certain non-prescription medicines, including discontinuations,” the department said to News24.com.au.

Heart Foundation chief medical adviser Professor Garry Jennings stressed the wider drug would remain available despite the 360 mg dose being withdrawn.

“We note from the TGA’s advice that diltiazem SR 180mg and 240 mg will still be readily available for patients who need this drug,” Professor Jennings said to News24.com.au.

“The TGA has granted pharmacists permission for the next 12 months to dispense 360mg of diltiazem SR using 180mg SR tablets without requiring a new script.”

Patients have been urged to speak with their pharmacist or prescriber about longer-term treatment arrangements.

Read related topics:Health and Beauty