Coroner Marshall News Today

Maddock’s death was ruled a sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, “on a background of recent brand switch to Logem, insomnia, an increase in the dose of lamotrigine and mild chronic appendicitis”. Coroner Marshall said as there was no clear link between the drug switch and the deaths, she was unable to make any recommendations. She said she accepted the evidence Logem was “fit for purpose”. Maddock’s partner Nadia Jooste was with him when he died at their Torbay home. She said t...

But from October 1, 2019, Pharmac funded Logem only, other than in exceptional circumstances. SUPPLIED/Stuff.co.nz William Oliver switched to Logem in April 2019 and died four months later. Multiple families told the coroner they and their loved ones were unaware of, and under-educated about, the brand switch. One doctor learned of the change through reports of his patients death in the media. Coroner Marshall said evidence provided during the inquest showed advice by Pharmac in relation to...