News
In Practice: Hypertension drug discontinued
The TGA has alerted doctors that two brands of diltiazem 360 mg controlled-release capsules are being discontinued in Australia.
Two brands of diltiazem 360 mg controlled-release capsules are being discontinued in Australia due to manufacturing issues.
This week’s In Practice also includes details on the upcoming Annual Members Meeting for the RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health faculty, as well as news, resources and tools for GPs providing care to veterans and their families.
TGA announces drug discontinuation
Pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis Australia has announced its two brands of diltiazem 360 mg controlled-release capsules are being discontinued in Australia due to manufacturing issues.
On Thursday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) informed prescribers that:
- Cardizem CD 360 mg became unavailable in June 2026
- Vasocardol CD 360 mg will no longer be supplied in Australia from 1 November 2026, with reduced supply expected until stock is exhausted.
To help patients have continuous access to this medicine, the TGA has made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) that allows a pharmacist to dispense diltiazem 180 mg controlled-release capsules in place of diltiazem 360 mg controlled-release capsules without a new prescription. The SSSI will be active between 1 October 2026 and 1 October 2027.
For detailed information about the SSSI and factors when considering a substitution, visit the TGA’s information page.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs update
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has released a suite of updates, resources and tools for GPs providing care to veterans and their families. This includes an update to the Federal Government’s decision to not proceed with the proposed $5000 allied health service threshold. The DVA also handed down updates on:
The DVA’s is also reminding GPs of the consolidation of its Coordinated Veterans’ Care Toolkit, registering and updating listings in the
National Health Services Directory, and Open Arms preparing to refresh and expand its Counselling Panel.
Upcoming RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health faculty meeting
Webinar: Monday, 12 October 2026, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm (AEDT)
Location: Via Zoom webinars
Join the RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health faculty for its online Annual Member Meeting, which will reflect on the past year and celebrate achievements.
Dr Daniel Hunt, a Jaru and Indjibarndi man, GP, dentist and 2025 NAIDOC Person of the Year, will join the session as a guest speaker to talk about the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services
A Handbook for Clinicians, and his work with the community more broadly.
Register online.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health diltiazem hypertension medication shortage Veterans’ health
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