NZREX Pharmacology & Prescribing

Question 1

Which organisation in New Zealand is responsible for determining which medicines are subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Schedule?

Accepted Answer

PHARMAC

Answer

PHARMAC (Pharmaceutical Management Agency) manages the NZ Pharmaceutical Schedule and decides which medicines are funded for New Zealanders.

Question 2

When prescribing a long-term NSAID for an elderly patient with osteoarthritis in New Zealand, which co-prescription is most strongly recommended to reduce gastrointestinal risk?

Accepted Answer

A proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

Answer

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are co-prescribed with NSAIDs in high-risk patients (elderly, history of peptic ulcer) to protect the gastric mucosa from NSAID-induced injury.

Question 3

According to New Zealand community-acquired pneumonia guidelines, what is the recommended first-line oral antibiotic for a non-hospitalised adult without significant comorbidities?

Accepted Answer

Amoxicillin

Answer

Amoxicillin is the first-line antibiotic for community-acquired pneumonia in ambulatory NZ adults without comorbidities, as per BPAC NZ and national guidelines targeting typical pathogens.

Question 4

In New Zealand, which of the following medications requires a Special Authority application before PHARMAC will subsidise it?

Accepted Answer

Adalimumab (Humira)

Answer

Adalimumab requires a Special Authority application approved by PHARMAC before it is subsidised, as it is a high-cost biologic with specific indications and criteria for use.

Question 5

Under New Zealand law, when prescribing a controlled drug, which of the following is a mandatory requirement for the prescription to be legally valid?

Accepted Answer

The total quantity must be written in both words and figures

Answer

NZ Misuse of Drugs Regulations require that the quantity of a controlled drug on a prescription be stated in both words and figures to prevent tampering and fraud.

NZREX Practice Test

NZREX Practice Test

NZREX Pharmacology & Prescribing