Decision to list terbutaline sulphate powder for inhalation (Bricanyl Turbuhaler) in a new model of the Turbuhaler device

What we’re doing

• A new M3 model of the Bricanyl Turbuhaler device will be listed on 1 May 2020
• The existing M2 model of the Bricanyl Turbuhaler device will be delisted on 1 October 2020

There will be no change to the dose strength of terbutaline sulphate delivered in the new model of the Turbuhaler device.

Who we think will be most interested

• People who use Bricanyl Turbuhaler to manage their asthma.
• Respiratory physicians, general practitioners, respiratory nurses, and other clinicians involved in the management of asthma.
• Pharmacists.
• Pharmaceutical suppliers.

Detail about this decision

Terbutaline sulphate (M3 Bricanyl Turbuhaler) powder for inhalation, 200 mcg per dose, 120 doses, will be listed in Section B and in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 May 2020 at the following price and subsidy (ex-manufacturer, excl. GST):

A confidential rebate will apply to M3 Bricanyl Turbuhaler that will reduce the net price to the Funder between 1 May 2020 and 31 July 2020.

Terbutaline sulphate (M2 Bricanyl Turbuhaler) powder for inhalation, 250 mcg per dose, 200 doses will be delisted from Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 October 2020.

AstraZeneca has advised PHARMAC that it has stopped making the M2 Bricanyl Turbuhaler and replaced this with the M3 Bricanyl Turbuhaler. The new M3 Bricanyl Turbuhaler provides the same dose of terbutaline sulphate as the previous M2 Bricanyl Turbuhaler but has the following differences:

• The new M3 Bricanyl Turbuhaler device delivers 120 doses compared to the currently listed M2 Bricanyl Turbuhaler device, which delivers 200 doses.
• A dose counter that allows patients to count down doses and see how many are left.
• Inclusion of lactose as an excipient (an additional inactive ingredient to ensure consistent dosing commonly used in many dry powder inhalers). The currently listed M2 device does not contain lactose.
  • Patients allergic or intolerant to lactose should speak to their health care professional about alternative inhaler options, such as salbutamol metered dose inhalers with a spacer for short-acting relief of their asthma symptoms
• A new carton labelled with the delivered dose of 200 mcg/inhalation (corresponding to 250 mcg metered dose of the M2 Bricanyl Turbuhaler). The actual dose of terbutaline sulphate delivered remains the same.
• A reshaped outer mouthpiece designed to fit more easily into the mouth, making it more comfortable for the patient when inhaling the dose.

AstraZeneca will be providing healthcare professionals with information about the change from the M2 Bricanyl Turbuhaler to the M3 Bricanyl Turbuhaler. If you would like this information you can contact AstraZeneca via email at medinfo.nz@astrazeneca.com or by phone on (09) 306 5650.

If you have any questions about this decision, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz; or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 660 050.