Diltiazem 360 mg capsules to be withdrawn from Australia
01 Oct 2026
Sanofi-Aventis Australia has confirmed that Cardizem CD 360 mg and Vasocardol CD 360 mg will no longer be supplied in Australia.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised that:
- Cardizem CD 360 mg became unavailable in June 2026.
- Vasocardol CD 360 mg will stop being supplied from 1 November 2026. Limited supply is expected to continue until existing stock runs out.
To help patients continue receiving diltiazem, the TGA has introduced a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI). Under this arrangement, pharmacists can dispense diltiazem 180 mg controlled-release capsules instead of the 360 mg capsules without requiring a new prescription.
The SSSI will apply from 1 October 2026 until 1 October 2027.
Doctors and pharmacists can refer to the TGA for further information about the substitution arrangement and factors to consider before making a change.
Updates for GPs caring for veterans
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has released several updates, resources and tools for GPs supporting veterans and their families.
The updates include confirmation that the proposed $5000 threshold for allied health services will not proceed.
The DVA has also provided information about:
- The end of the grandfathering period for DVA-funded medicinal cannabis prescriptions.
- A shorter timeframe for submitting claims for DVA-funded health services.
- New factsheets covering veteran supports and recent changes.
The DVA has also reminded GPs about its Coordinated Veterans’ Care Toolkit, keeping provider listings up to date in the National Health Services Directory, and upcoming changes to the Open Arms Counselling Panel.
RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health faculty meeting
The RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health faculty will hold its Annual Member Meeting online on Monday, 12 October 2026, from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm AEDT.
The meeting will look back at the past year and highlight the faculty’s achievements.
Guest speaker Dr Daniel Hunt, a Jaru and Indjibarndi man, GP, dentist and 2025 NAIDOC Person of the Year, will discuss A Handbook for Clinicians for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and his broader work with the community.
The meeting will be held via Zoom webinars.
Diltiazem 360 mg capsules to be withdrawn from Australia
Source: RACGP