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Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 15 May 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Supply issue - Itraconazole (Itrazole) cap 100 mg Due to manufacturing delays, a supply issue is affecting itraconazole 100 mg capsules. An alternative product Itraconazole Crescent was listed in 2025.This product is not Medsafe approved and will need to be prescribed and

Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to widen access to three funded medicines for people with type 2 diabetes. Under the proposal, access to empagliflozin, liraglutide and dulaglutide would be widened so more people at high clinical risk can access these medicines earlier in their treatment. The proposal aims to support better long‑term management of diabetes and reduce the risk of serious heart and kidney complications. We are now inviting feedback on this proposal....

Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to widen access to three funded medicines for people with type 2 diabetes.Under the proposal, access to empagliflozin, liraglutide and dulaglutide would be widened so more people at high clinical risk can access these medicines earlier in their treatment. The proposal aims to support better long‑term management of diabetes and reduce the risk of serious heart and kidney complications.We are now inviting feedback on this proposal....

Residential Eldercare Services have been working with, and have been owned and operated by Nurse Practitioners and General Practitioners for the last 14 years in the Waikato. We work in a supportive group manner covering all aspects of eldercare, general medical care and palliative care throughout the Waikato area. We are looking for another Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Practitioner Intern to join our growing practice. We have extensive experience in taking Nurse Practitione

This link will take you to the notification of the decision to award Principal Supply Status for permanent coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) to Medtronic New Zealand Limited (“Medtronic”) Medtronic’s Resolute Onyx DES will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule and available for Health NZ hospitals at a reduced price from 1 June 2026. If you need any further information please visit our website. Ngā mihi Mikka Nocete | Device Category Manager _____________________________

Pharmac is reviewing how it funds medicines for people with exceptional clinical circumstances (including the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment - NPPA), and we want to hear from you. We’ve heard that the current Exceptional Circumstances Framework can be difficult to understand and doesn’t always work as well as it should. This review is an opportunity to improve how the framework operates, and your feedback is important. Nothing will change during the review - appl

Please find attached a memo outlining the rationale and clinical use of the above combination in adult patients. This has been developed by the Health NZ Antimicrobial Stewardship Working Group in partnership with the Te Whata Kura Development Team. We encourage you to share this information widely across your networks. Ngā mihi nui, Sharon Gardiner(on behalf of the Health NZ Antimicrobial Stewardship Working Group and the Te Whata Kura Development Team) Sharon Gardiner FPS,

Macrolides were evaluated using individual patient-level data on asthma control, as well as on severe exacerbations and harms1. Evidence certainty followed GRADE. Across 19 trials (1825 patients), macrolides improved asthma control 40.6% vs placebo (21.6%); achieved a ≥ 0.5-point improvement (high certainty); likely reduced severe exacerbations (incidence rate ratio 0.75; moderate certainty); and modestly improved quality of life. Serious adverse events and mortality showed

Hon Simeon Brown Minister of Health 12 May 2026 Recognising the extraordinary contribution of nurses International Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary role nurses play in caring for New Zealanders at every stage of life, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “Whether supporting patients in emergencies, caring for people in their communities, helping new parents, or delivering specialist treatment, nurses are there during some of the most important

Codeine phosphate (Noumed) 30 mg (Pharmacode: 2643219) There is stock available. We have had reports that some pharmacies have experienced restrictions on supply of codeine. The supplier is working with wholesalers to understand why this is happening. While stock may get low, we do not anticipate a complete outage. Colestyramine (Powder) 4 g sachet Supplies of colestyramine powder sachets will be limited (Pharmacode: 2662000). Pharmac is investigating funded alternatives. Rif

Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 8 May 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Supply issue: dexamfetamine 5mg tablets There is a supply issue affecting the Noumed brand of dexamfetamine 5 mg tablets. The supplier has advised that stock will be unavailable from April to June 2026. The Aspen brand of dexamfetamine 5 mg tablets is available. The excipi

Enhance your Dermatology Expertise: Join Our Online Session this Saturday, 16 May. Join leading New Zealand dermatology specialists in this 4-hour webinar designed to help you navigate complex cases with confidence. All registrants will enjoy continued access to the full video recording, so you won’t miss a moment - even if you can’t attend live on Saturday. Enhance your Dermatology Expertise: Join Our Online Session this Saturday, 16 May.Join leading New Zealand dermatolo

Our latest selection of CPD options for you: High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) WEBINAR 12 May: Rajan Patel discusses the importance of early detection and timely management of high-risk cSCC. Register here 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

This link will take you to the proposal to enter into an agreement with Smith & Nephew for medical devices in the following categories: Surgical Implants Medical and Surgical Instruments and Power Tools Smith & Nephew’s range of medical devices are proposed to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule under a Pharmac agreement from 1 July 2026. A list of products included in the proposal is attached. Pharmac welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please su

Accurately diagnosing and treating impetigo and intertrigo in infants is important because their skin barrier is immature, infections spread faster, and complications can escalate before anyone realises what’s happening. In her talk at the Practical Update day, Specialist Dermatologist Lisa Connelly will focus on the diagnosis and management of impetigo and intertrigo (cradle cap) in children while also distinguishing these conditions from atopic eczema. She will also discuss

Conflict in the Middle East Suppliers are working closely with Pharmac to reduce any disruption to people in New Zealand. Where issues arise, we will communicate them on our website and through this email. Conflict in the Middle East: Impact on the supply chain New medicine supply notices Hydralazine hydrochloride (20 mg ampoule) there is a supply issue affecting the Apresoline brand (Pharmacode: 274550 and 2446227). We have listed two alternatives - they have important dif

Supply issue: We are writing to inform you of a supply issue: Viatris notified Pharmac that due to delays at the manufacturing facility, Montelukast tab 5mg is in short supply. Key Date: A new brand Montelukast tab 5mg (Relonchem) is available, and has been listed (funded) from 1 May 2026. Key messages: These tablets are for paediatric use, both brands are chewable, cherry flavour. Montelukast tab 5mg (Relonchem) is a pink coloured, circular, tablet. Montelukast tab 5mg (Vi