Changes to clozapine blood monitoring and prescribing

From March 2027, Medsafe will adopt new mandatory blood monitoring requirements, focusing on absolute neutrophil count (ANC), new ANC thresholds and the option to stop monthly blood monitoring after a period of 2 years, if certain eligibility criteria are met.

The restrictions on who can prescribe clozapine will be updated to permit medical practitioners working in a community mental health team or under the supervision of a psychiatrist to initiate clozapine prescription.

Additionally, nurse practitioners and pharmacist prescribers under supervision of a psychiatrist will be able to continue prescribing clozapine.

Further information is available on the Medsafe website.