Cyclone Gabrielle:
We are thinking of everyone affected by the cyclone. We're working with health sector colleagues to understand what we might be able to do to help. We will do our best to keep the website up-todate.
Flights and carriers have announced widespread delays caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. It may take time for normal services to resume. Please be patient, people running these networks are facing challenges both at work and at home.
Please visit the Pharmac website for updates.
Fluoxetine 20 mg caps: supply issue
The brand change for fluoxetine hydrochloride 20 mg cap (from Fluox to Arrow-Fluoxetine) has occurred earlier than expected. This has created a supply issue with Arrow-Fluoxetine (Pharmacode 2450860). The supplier of Arrow-Fluoxetine, Teva, has indicated that there will be limited supply throughout February 2023.
The next shipment of 10,000 units (2 weeks supply) arrived into wholesalers on 8 February. The next shipment of a further 60,000 units is on track to arrive in mid-Feb the week commencing 20 February.
We have secured 22,000 units of an alternative brand of fluoxetine. It will be listed from 20 February 2023. It is expected to arrive in Aotearoa during the week beginning 21 February 2023. It is not Medsafe approved and will need to be dispensed and prescribed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. This brand is approved in the United Kingdom.
This issue was caused by stock of Fluox, the previous brand, running out earlier than expected. We had anticipated Fluox would be available until 1 June 2023, when it is to be delisted.
Teva has asked that wholesalers and pharmacies order only the quantities they require. If pharmacies are having difficulty getting access to fluoxetine, we recommend they check with other wholesalers.
Weekly dispensing limit in place from 26 January 2023
Effective immediately, pharmacists can dispense a maximum of 7 days' supply of fluoxetine 20 mg. This is a shift from monthly dispensing. This applies to both the Arrow-Fluoxetine capsules and the Fluox dispersible tablets.
This limit will be in place until 28 February 2023. We anticipate the supply issue will be resolved by then. We will continue to monitor the situation and may remove the limit if supply is available earlier.
Pharmac is activating rule 5.5 of the General Rules of the Schedule to limit dispensing quantities for this medicine. Where appropriate, pharmacists can use their discretion for patient groups identified in rule 4.4.2.
Rule 5.5 of the General Rules
We acknowledge the inconvenience that dispensing only 7 days may cause. Limiting dispensing helps distribute the supply of fluoxetine as fairly as possible. We appreciate health care professionals’ vital role in responding to this issue and apologise for any inconveniences caused.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan): Supply issue
We understand there is a supply issue affecting Buscopan injections. Registered stock is expected to be available again by the end of March 2023. There is stock of the tablets.
A product is being brought in from Australia for hospitals and community pharmacies. It's due to arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand in the week beginning 13 February but will take time to clear quality control and make its way to pharmacies. we plan to list this product in the Schedule from 20 February 2023.
This alternative is not Medsafe approved and will need to be supplied in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act
Further information is available on the Pharmac website.
Capecitabine (Capercit) tab 500 mg: Supply issue
There is a supply issue affecting of capecitabine 500 mg tablets. At this time we are seeking to understand further details of this supply issue. We have been advised that resupply is expected in early March 2023.
The 150 mg strength is not currently affected by this supply issue.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website.
Salbutamol inhaler (Respigen): Supply issue
The supplier of Salbutamol (Respigen) has advised a likely shortage until end March 2023 because of continued high demand and the availability of manufacturing materials. The supplier expects normal supply to resume by the end of March 2023.
SalAir and Ventolin are also listed in the Schedule and are the same strength. They are unaffected by the shortage. Please note that Ventolin is only partially subsidised.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website.
Codeine phosphate 15 mg: Supply issue
Noumed brand codeine 15 mg tablets are temporarily out of stock due to logistics delays. The weather events in Auckland are making it challenging for the supplier to arrange air freight for the latest supply. They are working to get product to Aotearoa/New Zealand as soon as possible.
This issue does not affect other strengths. The 30 mg and 60 mg strengths are both available.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website.
Permethrin cream: Supply issue
Lyderm brand permethrin 5% cream is out of stock. Lyderm brand permethrin 5% cream was under contract with API. API has now left the market.
Stock of the API product has now been exhausted and we are continuing to investigate alternative presentations. There is ample stock of the permethrin 5% lotion available.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Pregabalin 75 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg capsules: Supply issue
There is an issue with the following strengths of pregabalin:
75 mg - Stock has arrived. It was expected to be with pharmacies during the week beginning 20 February. However, given the current disruptions caused by Cyclone Gabrielle it may take longer than expected.
150 mg - Pregabalin Pfizer is out of stock and expected to be re-supplied in March 2023. Milpharm brand can be ordered through wholesalers. Milpharm pregabalin is not currently approved by Medsafe for use in New Zealand and will need to be prescribed and supplied under Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981.
300 mg - Stock of Pregabalin Pfizer arriving mid-February and expected to be available at pharmacies during the week beginning 20 February 2023. However, because of the disruptions caused by the cyclone this may take longer.
Further information is available on the Pharmac website
Oestradiol (Estradot) patches: Supply issue update
There have been several disruptions to supply of the Oestradiol (branded as Estradot) patches since August 2020.
Availability of oestradiol patches as at 19 January 2022:
We understand that stocks in pharmacies and wholesalers may differ from what's shown here. This is the advice that the supplier has given to Pharmac.
25 mcg
• Estradot stock available at the supplier (pharmacode 2358840).
• Estraderm MX is out of stock (pharmacode 2645475).
50 mcg
• Estradot stock available at the supplier (pharmacode 2358867).
• Limited stock of Estradiol TDP Mylan (pharmacode 2601591) is in the supply chain.
75 mcg
• Limited stock of Estradot is available, further stock expected early February 2023 (pharmacode 2514346).
• Estradiol TDP Mylan (pharmacode 2605317) is available.
100 mcg
• Estradot stock available (pharmacode 2358883).
The alternative brands listed are not Medsafe-approved, as such they need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with Section 29 of the Medicines Act
For more information, please see the Pharmac website
Nutricia foods products: Supply issue affecting multiple products
Nutricia continues to manage stock distribution to supply the market as consistently as possible. We have updated the stock situation as it stands on 9 February 2023. Please continue to order stock without stockpiling to ensure equitable access for all New Zealanders while buffer stocks are built up.
Please do not make prescriptions brand and/or flavour specific. This will allow flexibility for pharmacists when dispensing. If you need advice about alternative products available from Nutricia, please contact your Nutricia Representative.
Check the Pharmac website regularly for updates on products.
We want you! Expressions of Interest for Pharmac’s Advisory Committees
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.
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
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