Joint statement from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia.

The sponsor of Nardil (phenelzine sulfate) tablets has notified the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) that they can no longer supply this medication in Australia due to global issues with the manufacture of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. There are no alternative brands of phenelzine on the Australian market. Supplies of phenelzine tablets are very limited.

The TGA has issued a joint statement with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia:

« phenelzine-nardil-discontinuation »

The joint statement provides further information about this issue, including advice for health professionals about accessing alternative products and patient management.

Information for consumers

If you or someone you provide care for takes phenelzine (Nardil) tablets, please be aware that supply of this medicine is very limited.

You should seek immediate advice from your psychiatrist or other prescriber about arranging supply of an alternative product or switching to another treatment.

Treatment with phenelzine should be gradually withdrawn, ideally over a minimum of two or more weeks, to reduce the risk of withdrawal effects. It is very important that you do not wait until your current supply of this medicine runs out to see your health professional about this issue.

If you need immediate support for depression, including feeling unsafe or distressed, the following organisations offer support through telephone lines and online chat services:

Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Information for health professionals

See the joint statement provided above for detailed information about this issue, including advice about accessing alternative products and patient management.

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