Supply issue resolved: Lorazepam (Ativan) Aspen, the supplier of lorazepam 1 mg tablets (brand name Ativan), has confirmed that this strength is now available. We acknowledge the inconvenience that this supply disruption may have caused.
To help distribute the supply of lorazepam 1 mg tablets throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, we previously asked pharmacists to dispense 7 days’ supply at a time. This limit will remain in place until 31 August 2022 to ensure distribution around the country remains as fair as possible.
Our expert clinical advisors suggest that there may be suitable alternatives, including macrogol 3350 sachets (Molaxole) and lactulose. Where appropriate, please consider using alternatives while this supply issue persists.
Accuretic (quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide) tablets: Supply issue
Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers for the week ending 19 August 2022
From August 2022, Accuretic supply in New Zealand will begin to be disrupted. People using Accuretic must get a new prescription to change to an alternative high blood pressure medicine.
Supply issue update: Docusate sodium with sennosides (Laxsol) tablets and other laxatives
The supplier of Laxsol tablets has advised of a delay in resupply of these tablets. This is due to a shortage of raw materials and global freight issues. The flight carrying extra supplies of Laxsol that was expected in August has been cancelled. We are awaiting another resupply date and will provide further updates on the Pharmac website when available.
Thank you for your assistance with the management of this issue.
the supply issue affecting bisacodyl and docusate sodium (Coloxyl) 120 mg is now resolved. Supplies of docusate sodium (Coloxyl) 50 mg remain constrained, and the next shipment is due early September. Konsyl D and the alternative we listed (Macro Organic Psyllium Husk) are out of stock. Senna (Senokot) is out of stock with the supplier due to high demand driven by other supply Weissuesare working closely with all suppliers concerned to speed up freight to Aotearoa where possible, or to find alternative products. Further information is available on the Pharmac website
We understand that Laxsol supply disruption is leading to knock on stock shortages for other funded Welaxatives.understand
Other Laxatives: Supply issues
Dispensing restriction
Managing supply of other medications
The Aspen brand is not approved by Medsafe and will need to be prescribed and supplied in accordance with Section 29 of the Medicines Act More information can be found on the Pharmac website.
There is more information on the Pharmac website about the issue and what support is available. We will continue to update healthcare professionals and the public through our website, adding relevant information as it becomes available.
Pharmac has widened access to the three antiviral treatments it funds for treating early COVID 19: nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid), molnupiravir (Lagevrio) and remdesivir, an infusion treatment (Veklury). Always check the criteria before prescribing as updates may have been made.
New Zealand's COVID 19 treatment portfolio
COVID 19 antiviral Access Criteria assessment tool
Please prescribe normally and encourage patients not to stockpile medicines.
Due to API’s withdrawal from the New Zealand market, the ‘PSM’ brand of dexamfetamine sulfate is expected to begin running out during August 2022, and people will need to change brands to continue with their treatment.
He Ako Hiringa website Transitioning people off Accuretic
You can read all about the available and soon to be available COVID 19 treatments on our website.
Use the online tool to help identify who’s eligible for funded COVID 19 antiviral treatments.
COVID 19: Information for prescribers Updated Access Criteria
A resource about this change has been published by He Ako Hiringa. This includes information on dose equivalency between Accuretic and other funded treatment options.
We have sourced a short term supply of an alternative brand, Aspen dexamfetamine, which is available and will be listed from 1 August 2022. We are working hard to secure a long term supply and will keep you updated about this.
Pharmac website COVID 19 oral antivirals: Access Criteria
Dexamfetamine 5 mg tablets: brand change
Access Criteria Assessment Tool
Clinicians should move their patients to a suitable alternative medicine as soon as possible. We really appreciate the support that we know both clinicians and pharmacists will provide to their patients.
Gaviscon Infant Sachet 30s: Supply issue
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Ipratropium nebuliser (500 mcg/2 ml): Supply issue
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
More information about Pharmac’s response to COVID 19 is available on the Pharmac website
Shingles vaccine: Shingrix will be the new funded brand Zostavax shingles vaccine is being discontinued. We are pleased to have secured an alternative brand of the zoster vaccine, Shingrix. Both brands are listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 August 2022, but the Shingrix vaccine will only be made available for funded patients once all stock of Zostavax has been used. We expect this to be in August or September 2022.
Pharmac, pharmacies and suppliers are working closely to maintain medicines supply, and to minimise disruption and fairly distribute any medicines in short supply.
The supplier of Lucrin injections have advised that there's been a delay to their latest shipment of the 3 month depot product. We expect that normal supply of this medicine will resume in late September Patients2022. who cannot access the 3 monthly injection, will need to talk to a health care professional about whether the Lucrin 1 month depot is a suitable alternative.
Leuprorelin (Lucrin Depot 3 month) inj 11.25 mg: Supply issue
The supplier is out of stock of Gaviscon Infant. The next supplies are due in the country in the first week of October. Once arrived, they will still need to clear quality assurance and be distributed through the supply chain.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Pharmac and Rex Medical have sourced an alternative product. This product will be listed in the Schedule from 5 August 2022 as a Section 29 medicine. Supply of the alternative is unlikely to be available before late August 2022.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Rex Medical have advised of a supply issue with ipratropium nebuliser solution. Rex Medical expects to return to normal supply with the registered product by November 2022.
The funded brand of celecoxib is changing due to supply issues with the current brand, affecting both the 100 mg and 200 mg capsules. We have brought forward the listing of Celebrex from 1 August 2022. Entry of Celebrex into the market delayed until the end of August due to a shipping delay. Stock of Celecoxib Pfizer is currently Celebrexavailable.capsules
BNM have sought advice from Te Pātaka Whaioranga Pharmac on bringing in a similar device that is supplied in Australia. If confirmed, it would be listed in time for 1 September 2022.
look identical to and are the same as Celecoxib Pfizer capsules. The capsules have the same active ingredient and work in the body in the same way. They are both supplied by Aspen
Boucher and Muir (BNM) has advised a possible shortage of its Intra uterine device ICU Choice TT380 Short. Current stock is expected to last until the middle of September 2022, in addition to any stock in the supply chain.
Intra uterine device Choice TT380 Short: Supply issue
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Octreotide 50 mcg per ml ampoules: Supply issue
Levomepromazine (Nozinan) Injections: Supply issue
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Due to delays with the manufacturer of levomepromazine hydrochloride, there is an out of stock of Levomepromazine hydrochloride (Nozinan) Inj 25 mg per ml, 1 ml ampoule. Resupply of the registered brand of levomepromazine has been delayed and is not expected before mid September
The supplier of the Max Health octreotide 50 mcg per ml ampoules has advised of a temporary out of stock. Stock of Max Health Octreotide 50mcg is expected in early October 2022.
Celecoxib (100 and 200 mg cap): Supply issue and new look
FurtherPharmacare.information is available on the Pharmac website
The2022.supplier has arranged an alternative product to be supplied which was listed on the schedule from 1 July. This is a German product supplied under Section 29 of the Medicines Act
We listed an alternative product 5 August 2022 to cover this stock outage and will need to be prescribed under Section 29 of the Medicines Act.
Pharmac is looking for new members for our Advisory Committees. Do you work in primary care and bring a commitment to and understanding of te Tiriti in healthcare?
Most of the supply issues affecting Nutricia special foods products have been resolved. There will however continue to be supply issues for some products throughout 2022. Check the Pharmac website regularly for updates on products. Keep up to date on supply issues and brand changes
Pharmac regularly updates its website with information about changes in brand and any current or emerging supply issues. You can find information about current issues on the Pharmac website
Roxithromycin tab dispersible 50 mg, (Rulide D): Discontinuation Sanofi Aventis are discontinuing supply of roxithromycin (known as Rulide D) to Aotearoa New Zealand. Current supply of Rulide D was expected to be exhausted in July 2022.
Nutricia foods products: Supply issue affecting multiple products
The supplier has advised us of a temporary delay affecting re supply of Ural sachets. As of 18 August 2022, we are advised that stock is now available. We are working with the supplier to confirm when normal supply will resume. Further information is available on the Pharmac website
There are other fully funded macrolide antibiotic alternatives available for this medicine. Further information is available on the Pharmac website.
Sodium citro tartrate (Ural) Grans: Supply issue
We want you! Expressions of Interest for Pharmac’s Advisory Committees
Pharmac’s Advisory Committees provide us with specialist knowledge and expertise within specific clinical areas, such as diabetes, cancer, and mental health. You can find more information about Advisory Committees roles and responsibilities on the Pharmac website. If you are interested in being involved in Pharmac’s clinical advice network, please send an email to advisorycommittees@pharmac.govt.nz letting us know your specific clinical area(s) of interest.