Pharmac pulls epilepsy drug funding (Lamictal and Arrow brands of lamotrigine)
I am really concerned as I have been seizure free for the last 22 years and have been told NOT to change my medication - Lamictal - at any stage by my neurologist.
What happens from here on?
If I have a seizure I will lose the following:
1. Driving license for 1 year suspended
2. Short term memory loss
3. Brain - with every seizure the brain get damaged
4. Possibly working time / wages loss as sick leave is only 5 working days
5. Fear / embarrassment when you go out in the community
6. Additional costs as medical visits will be increasing.
7. AND WORST - possible injury / death to others if seizure happens while driving.
As I have to rely on my car to get to and from work I have no option but to drive. Will the government pay for transport? I have checked the buses from home to work and it will take me 2 hours travel each way to get to and from work. It is only 16km's.
If anyone else is affected how do we fight this?
Any politicians / Councillors that can help with this?
www.stuff.co.nz...
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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41.1% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.3% No, I enjoy it
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Auckland has a thriving cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures across the country, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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42.5% I avoid spending money on coffee
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41.3% I still indulge at my local cafe
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16.2% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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41.1% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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32% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.5% I didn’t know online booking was available
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