BAppSc Computer Co-ordinator Stephen Dobie, BAppSc Scientists Gouri Betigeri, BSc, Grad. These record numbers have been achieved through the efficiency and commitment of CPMS staff. It was created as a requirement of the Australian Drug Evaluation Committee in late 1992, when clozapine was introduced in Australia. Individuals who experience either of these conditions immediately cease receiving the drug and must not resume taking the drug.
Monitoring is undertaken subject to a strict protocol.
The stringency and effectiveness of this monitoring is attested to by the fact that every patient in Australia who has developed a clozapine-related blood problem has been detected and made a full haematological recovery. In addition to maintaining a database of every individual who has ever received clozapine in Australia, the CPMS maintains a national database of all medical centres, doctors and pharmacists prescribing and dispensing the drug. The CPMS routinely liaises with these service providers and advises on clozapine-related issues. All patients are required to undergo regular haematological monitoring before, during and after treatment. The first 18 weeks of therapy are the period when blood problems most commonly occur.