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Re: Supply disruption: Colestyramine Powder for Oral Suspension (Sachet). There is a supply disruption affecting the currently listed Section 29 colestyramine oral sachets, Colestyramine – Mylan. From 1 June, Pharmac will list an alternative Section 29 product: Questran Light (Neon). This is not a Medsafe‑approved product and must be prescribed in accordance with Section 29 of the Medicines Act. As no Medsafe approved product is currently listed on the Schedule, Section

Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 29 May 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Supply Constraint – TruSteel Infusion Sets There is a global supply constraint affecting TruSteel infusion sets due to issues at a component supplier. This disruption is not specific to New Zealand and is likely to continue for the rest of 2026. It affects all four funded T

Issue 343 - 28 May 2026 Welcome to the fortnightly Health Improvement and Innovation Digest. The Digest has links to key evidence of interest, with access to new content arranged by topic. You can forward this newsletter to others who may be interested in receiving it. They can register and subscribe here. You can also access other recent issues of the digest here. If you have any queries, please email us at library@health.govt.nz. Article Access For articles that aren't ope

Evidence from randomised trials on optimal LDL cholesterol targets for secondary prevention in known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is limited. In an open trial, 3048 patients with known CVD disease were randomised to an LDL target of below 1.4 mmol/L or below 1.8 mmol/L.1 The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke, revascularisation, or hospitalisation for unstable angina over 3 years. The median achieved LDL

We’re writing to let you know that Pharmac is extending the consultation period on the proposed changes to access criteria for type 2 diabetes medicines. In May, we released a proposal to amend the Special Authority criteria for empagliflozin, liraglutide, and dulaglutide. We’ve received a significant amount of feedback so far, which reflects how important access to these medicines is for people living with type 2 diabetes. We’ve also heard that more people would like the opp

New medicine supply notices Fluorouracil inj 50 mg/ml 20 ml and 50 ml vials: (Pharmacodes: 2618435 and 2674092) Accord is out of stock of these products. Paracetamol oral liquid: Lower strength (120 mg per 5 ml)The brand of this product is changing brand from 1 June 2026. Updated medicine supply notices Droperidol inj 2.5 mg per ml, 1 ml ampoule (Pharmacode 2690543) The previously funded brand, PanPharma (Pharmacode:2527138), has been re-listed. There is a small amount of

This is to correct the dates sent out on Friday. Gonadron brand will be listed 1 July 2026 Brand change: We are writing to inform you of a brand change for testosterone undecanoate inj 250 mg per ml, (Reandron) Key Dates: The Gonadron brand of testosterone undecanoate inj 250 mg per ml is to be listed (funded) from 1 July 2026 on the Community Schedule and in Health NZ hospitals. Testosterone undecanoate inj 250 mg per ml (Reandron) brand will be delisted (no longer fun

Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 22 May 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Supply Disruption - Ezetimibe with Simvastatin 10/80 mg (Zimybe) Due to a delay at the manufacturing site, there is a supply issue affecting ezetimibe with simvastatin 10/80 mg combination tablet (Zimybe). From 1 June 2026 Pharmac is funding an alternative product ezetimibe

Brand change: We are writing to inform you of a brand change for testosterone undecanoate inj 250 mg per ml, (Reandron) Key Dates: The Gonadron brand of testosterone undecanoate inj 250 mg per ml is to be listed (funded) from 1 June 2026 on the Community Schedule and in Health NZ hospitals. Testosterone undecanoate inj 250 mg per ml (Reandron) brand will be delisted (no longer funded) 1 November 2026. The active ingredients and excipients are the same as the Reandron bran

Nurse Practitioner – Part-TimeOcean Breeze Health | Silverdale, Hibiscus Coast Ocean Breeze Health is a small, family-focused general practice located in beautiful Silverdale on the Hibiscus Coast. Due to the continued growth of our clinic, we are looking for a compassionate and patient-focused Nurse Practitioner to join our supportive team. This role will initially be approximately 16 hours per weekdays and hours negotiable and one Saturday morning (9-1pm ) per month. We ar

Māu te tono, nō mātou te whiwhi! (We would be honoured if you apply) 1.0 FTE (40 hours a week) Permanent position Location: Taranaki Mō te tūranga - About the role Join our team as a Pāhake Whaiora: Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) Clinician and make a real difference in the lives of older people across Taranaki. In this role, you'll provide advanced assessment, clinical care, and coordination for Pāhake experiencing complex mental health, addiction, and cognit

Kia ora Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to change brands of meningococcal ACWY, pneumococcal, and influenza vaccines – and widen access to the flu vaccine for all children from 6 months up to 5 years (6-59 months inclusive). We are also proposing to widen access to a vaccine to help prevent people who have already had a serious pneumococcal infection from getting it again. In August 2025, we released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the supply of funded vaccines, e

Kia ora, RE: Supply Disruption - Ezetimibe with Simvastatin 10/80 mg combination tablet (Zimybe) Due to a delay at the manufacturing site, there is a supply issue affecting Ezetimibe with Simvastatin 10/80 mg (Zimybe). From 1 June 2026 Pharmac will fund an alternative product Ezetimibe with Simvastatin 10/80 mg (Vytorin). This is not a Medsafe approved product and should be prescribed and supplied in line with Section 29A of the Medicines Act. Further information, including r

Health New Zealand and Pharmac have made the decision to extend pharmacy services. This decision means community pharmacies will be able to provide a wider range of funded clinical services for common conditions that may have otherwise required a GP visit, including: scabies treatment for children/families oral rehydration treatment for children headlice treatment for children/families pain and fever management for children conjunctivitis treatment for children treatment

The Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations) set the minimum quality standard that medicinal cannabis products and ingredients must meet before they can be supplied in New Zealand. Importers, manufacturers, and suppliers must apply for assessment and provide evidence to the Medicinal Cannabis Agency to verify that their products meet the minimum quality standard./ Adven Daybreak has been verified as meeting the minimum quality standard. Adven Ni

Continuing Professional Development Podcasts | Webinars | Gems | eLearning | MedCases Our latest selection of CPD options for you: Lipids, BP, and the metabolic syndrome puzzle WEBINAR 26 May: Consultant Cardiologist Gerry Wilkins on taming the trio: Lipids, BP, and the Metabolic Syndrome. Register here Management of Diabetes and CHF WEBINAR 2 June: Ryan Paul overviews a practical approach to best practice of heart failure in people with diabetes, including the rol

Are you an experienced Nurse Practitioner looking for flexible, meaningful work in a supportive virtual environment? Join The Doctors Online and help deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare to patients across New Zealand. Why This Role Stands Out Enjoy regular, predictable sessions while maintaining the flexibility to build a schedule that works for your lifestyle. As part of a growing virtual care team, you’ll provide accessible, patient-centred care primarily through vi

Itraconazole (Itrazole) cap 100 mg (Pharmacode 2354322) A section 29 alternative was listed 1 April (Pharmacode: 2705109). Resupply of the approved brand isn’t likely until much later in 2026. Lansoprozole (Lanzsol) 15 mg pack size change: Due to issues at the manufacturing site, stock of Lanzol Relief 15 mg capsules (Pharmacode 2482533) is running low. Pharmac has listed an alternative pack size of the registered product (Pharmacode 2726017). Please note that this product is

Issue 342 - 18 May 2026 Welcome to the fortnightly Health Improvement and Innovation Digest. The Digest has links to key evidence of interest, with access to new content arranged by topic. You can forward this newsletter to others who may be interested in receiving it. They can register and subscribe here. You can also access other recent issues of the digest here. If you have any queries, please email us at library@health.govt.nz Article Access For articles that aren't open