docusate sodium (Coloxyl) 50 mg remain constrained, Coloxyl 120 mg is available. Konsyl D and the alternative we listed, Macro Organic Psyllium Husk, are out of stock. Resupply of Macro Organic Psyllium Husk is expected mid September, and Konsyl D October. Senna (Senokot) is out of stock. Stocks of Micolette are low. There has been a brief out of stock of Dulcolax SP Drops, we anticipate this will arrive the end of the week. It will take time for this stock to make its way through the supply chain to individual pharmacies.
We are working closely with all suppliers concerned to speed up freight to Aotearoa where possible, or to find alternative products.
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.
Supplies of Paracare (120 mg per 5 ml) are likely to run out during September. Supplies of Paracare Double Strength (250 mg per 5 ml) are likely to begin running out during October. To cover the gap before the new contracted brands can enter the market, we’ve listed the Avallon brand.
Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers for the week ending 09 September
Shipments are being released as they arrive. We're working closely with the supplier to understand when Laxsol supplies will return to normal. Both the supplier and Pharmac are aware of the critical nature of this product.
Other Laxatives: Supply issues
Testosterone cipionate (Depo Testosterone) injections: Supply issue
The Laxsol supply issue was caused by a lack some of the raw materials used to make the product. This issue also affects Coloxyl.
We understand that Laxsol supply disruption is leading to knock on stock shortages for other funded Supplieslaxatives.of
Supply2022
From 1 September 2022, we have listed a temporary new brand of paracetamol liquid.
Paracetamol oral liquid: Brand change
Further information is available on the Pharmac website.
Pharmac has secured a section 29 alternative brand of testosterone inj 100 mg per ml. The alternative will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 9 September 2022. We are working with the supplier to confirm stock availability dates and will update this page as further details become available.
issue update: Docusate sodium with sennosides (Laxsol) tablets and other laxatives
Pharmac has confirmed the access criteria for the first preventative medicine for COVID 19, tixagevimab and cilgavimab (branded as Evusheld), for severely immunocompromised New TixagevimabZealanders. with cilgavimab (Evusheld) Access Criteria
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.
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.
COVID 19: Information for prescribers
Pharmac website COVID 19 oral antivirals: Access Criteria
A temporary supply of a paracetamol oral liquid 120 mg per 5 ml has been organised, and a 240 mg per 5 ml strength has been listed in case it is needed in a couple of months as a contingency option. Due to increased global demand, we were not able to source a 250 mg per 5 ml product, despite our strong preference for this.
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.
The 120 mg product has Medsafe approval. Restrictions will continue for these temporary brands to ensure everyone who needs paracetamol liquid can access this medicine. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
• Flavour is strawberry vanilla for both strengths (previously strawberry and orange)
Updated Access Criteria
• A smaller pack size, 200 ml glass bottles with a child resistant cap
We will communicate further with the sector if the 240 mg product is required.
Accuretic (quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide) tablets: Supply issue
• If the Avallon 240 mg per 5 ml paracetamol oral liquid is required, this would mean a temporary strength change to a 240 mg per 5 ml presentation. We are working on ways to support the health care sector if this is needed.
Pharmac | New Zealand Government
You can read all about the available and soon to be available COVID 19 treatments on our website.
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.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Key differences with the Avallon brand
New Zealand's COVID 19 treatment portfolio
• Colour is off white for both strengths (previously pink and orange)
Pharmac, pharmacies and suppliers are working closely to maintain medicines supply, and to minimise disruption and fairly distribute any medicines in short supply.
The bespoke exceptional circumstances process for alternative brands of lamotrigine closed on 1 September 2022. Current approvals will be extended indefinitely.
Leuprorelin (Lucrin Depot 3-month) inj 11.25 mg: Supply issue
Bromocriptine: Access change and discontinuation
Teva is changing their brand from Ethics Lisinopril to Teva Lisinopril. The capsules themselves remain unchanged. It is just different boxes and blister packs.
Use the online tool to help identify who’s eligible for funded COVID 19 antiviral treatments.
From 1 September 2022, bromocriptine is not funded. We previously limited access to people who were taking bromocriptine before 1 March 2021.
Managing supply of other medications Please prescribe normally and encourage patients not to stockpile medicines.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website.
The new packaging comes with a different pharmacodes. We anticipate listing the new pharmacodes for all 3 strengths from 1 October 2022.
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 2022.
Patients 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.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website.
Access Criteria Assessment Tool
COVID 19 antiviral Access Criteria assessment tool
Lisinopril 5, 10 and 20 mg capsules: New look
More information about Pharmac’s response to COVID 19 is available on the Pharmac website
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Gaviscon Infant Sachet 30s: Supply issue
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Lamotrigine brand information
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
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
Levomepromazine (Nozinan) Injections: Supply issue
Boucher and Muir (BNM) has advised a possible shortage of its Intra uterine device ICU Choice TT380 Short. Current stock held by BNM is expected to last until the middle of September 2022, in addition to any stock in the supply chain. Two alternative products are listed from 1 September.
Pharmac and Rex Medical have sourced an alternative product. This product was listed in the Schedule from 5 August 2022 as a section 29 medicine. The alternative is available to be ordered from Rex Medical.
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.
We have brought forward the listing of Celebrex from 1 August 2022. Entry of Celebrex into the market delayed until mid September due to a shipping delay. Stock of Celecoxib Pfizer is currently
Ipratropium nebuliser (500 mcg/2 ml): Supply issue
A2022.new
FurtherPharmacare.information is available on the Pharmac website
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Intra uterine device – Choice TT380 Short: Supply issue
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.
section 29 brand of Nozinan is listed from 1 September 2022. Supplies of the previous alternative product (Neuraxpharm) were limited. The listing will remain for some time to allow for all product to move through the supply chain.
The funded brand of celecoxib is changing due to supply issues with the current brand, affecting both the 100 mg and 200 mg capsules.
Celecoxib (100 and 200 mg cap): Supply issue and new look
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Celebrexavailable.capsules
Nutricia foods products: Supply issue affecting multiple products
Further information is available on the Pharmac website.
Check the Pharmac website regularly for updates on products.
Keep up to date on supply issues and brand changes
You can find information about current issues on the Pharmac website.
Pharmac regularly updates its website with information about changes in brand and any current or emerging supply issues.
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
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. Advisory Committees usually meet once a year, but maybe more or less frequently. You can find more information about Advisory Committees roles and responsibilities on the Pharmac website
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? We are particularly seeking to appoint General Practitioners to a number of our Advisory Committees to provide input from the primary care perspective.
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.