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Supply Issue – Ramipril (Tryzan) Supply Disruption and Section 29A Alternatives
We are writing to advise you of a supply disruption affecting all strengths of Ramipril (Tryzan) due to an issue at the manufacturing site. Stock of the registered capsules is expected to run out progressively from late April through June, and no resupply of the registered product is expected until mid–late 2026. To maintain continuity of treatment, the supplier has sourced alternatives for all strengths. The alternatives products are tablets rather than capsules, and are n
admin82291
Apr 291 min read


Tender results
Please follow this link to our website for the April 2026 Tender Notification. Ngā mihi, Jade Matthews-Wanden | Tender Analyst Te Pātaka Whaioranga | Pharmac | PO Box 10 254 | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington | P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz
admin82291
Apr 291 min read


Discontinuation: Duolin nebuliser soln, New brand: Combiprasal nebuliser soln.
We are writing to inform you of the: Discontinuation: Duolin nebuliser soln, salbutamol 2.5 mg with ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg per vial, 2.5 ml ampoule New listing: Combiprasal nebuliser soln, salbutamol 2.5 mg with ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg per vial, 2.5 ml ampoule Duolin nebuliser soln has been discontinued. The alternate Cipla brand has an expiry date of 30 June 2026. A second alternate, Combiprasal brand will be funded from 1 May 2026. Combiprasal active ingredients and
admin82291
Apr 291 min read


RE: Supply Disruption - Ezetimibe with Simvastatin 10/40 mg combination tablet (Zimybe)
Due to a delay at the manufacturing site, there is a supply issue affecting Ezetimibe with Simvastatin 10/40 mg (Zimybe). From 1 May 2026 Pharmac is funding an alternative product Ezetimibe with Simvastatin 10/40 mg (Vytorin). This is not a Medsafe approved product and should be prescribed and supplied in line with Section 29A of the Medicines Act 1981. Further information will be added to our webpage as updates become available – Ezetimibe with simvastatin (Zimybe) 10/40 m
admin82291
Apr 291 min read


Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers | 24 April 2026
Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 24 April 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Discontinuation: Duolin nebuliser soln, containing salbutamol 2.5 mg with ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg per vial, 2.5 ml ampoule New listing: Combiprasal nebuliser soln, containing salbutamol 2.5 mg with ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg per vial, 2.5 ml ampoule Duolin nebuliser so
admin82291
Apr 294 min read


Supply issue update - 75 mcg Estradot patches
We’re emailing you today to let you know of a supply issue affecting the 75 mcg strength of Estradot patches. The 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 100 mcg strengths are not currently affected. We expect a shipment of more than 2 months’ supply of Estradot patches to arrive in late April, which we expect will solve the immediate issue. However, supply of Estradot could be disrupted again. This global supply issue has been ongoing since 2022 and is not related to the conflict in the Middle East
admin82291
Apr 291 min read


Pharmac - Consultation on the Exceptional Circumstances Framework
Kia ora koutou Pharmac has now opened public consultation on the review of the Exceptional Circumstances Framework , including the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA). We would appreciate your support in sharing this information with your networks, particularly with anyone who has experience of, or an interest in, the Exceptional Circumstances Framework. We also welcome requests for direct meetings to discuss the review and provide feedback. I have provided some b
admin82291
Apr 202 min read


Supply issue update: sodium cromoglicate (Ralicrom) cap 100 mg
Kia ora We are writing to inform you of a further supply issue with sodium cromoglicate cap 100 mg (Ralicrom) Key messages: Ralicrom capsules have been out of stock since December 2025. During this time, we funded three alternative brands, but all available stock has now been used including the Somex Section 29 brand (Pharmacode: 2719649) Stock of Ralicrom (Pharmacode: 2628295) is expected to arrive during the week ending 24 April 2026. This is the Medsafe approved pro
admin82291
Apr 201 min read


Supply Update - 20 April 2026
Start your week with fresh medicine supply notice news! We’re moving this email to a Monday mailout. You can check all medicine notices at any time on our website 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 Droperidol inj 2.5 mg per m
admin82291
Apr 203 min read


Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers | 17 April 2026
Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 17 April 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Supply disruption: Isosorbide mononitrate 40mg (Ismo 40 Retard) Due to an increase in demand and shipping delays because of the conflict in the Middle East, stock of Ismo 40 Retard is running low. Resupply of Isosorbide mononitrate 40 mg (Ismo 40 Retard) is expected by th
admin82291
Apr 204 min read


Supply issue: Imiquimod (Padagis) cream 5% sachets
We are writing to inform you of a supply issue: Imiquimod (Padagis) cream 5% sachets. Key messages: The supplier of Imiquimod (Padagis) cream 5% sachets has notified that due to the conflict in the Middle East this product will be in short supply. Pharmac has sourced and listed (funded) Aldara cream 5% sachets as an alternate. The Aldara brand has the same active ingredient. This is not a Medsafe approved product and will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with Secti
admin82291
Apr 201 min read


Supply Issue - Isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo 40 Retard) 40mg
Due to an increase in demand and shipping delays because of the conflict in the Middle East, stock of Ismo 40 Retard is running low. Resupply of Isosorbide mononitrate 40 mg (Ismo 40 Retard) is expected by the end of April; once stock is released it can take a further 1-2 weeks for stock to distribute through the supply chain. If pharmacies are unable to obtain additional stock before then, affected patients may require a new prescription for an alternative treatment. We
admin82291
Apr 201 min read


Proposal to expand pharmacy services
Pharmac and Health New Zealand are seeking feedback on a proposal to expand pharmacy services. This proposal would allow community pharmacies 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 trea
admin82291
Apr 201 min read


Proposal to expand pharmacy services
Pharmac and Health New Zealand are seeking feedback on a proposal to expand pharmacy services. This proposal would allow community pharmacies 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 trea
admin82291
Apr 161 min read


Brand change: Nitrofurantoin tab 50mg new Clinect brand due to discontinuation of Nifuran
New brand: Nitrofurantoin tab 50mg Clinect brand Discontinuation: Nifuran tab 50mg and 100mg. We are writing to inform you of a brand change due to the discontinuation of Nifuran tab 50mg Key messages: Nifuran 50mg and 100mg tablets have been discontinued and will be delisted (no longer funded) 1 November 2026. The remaining stock of Nifuran 50mg tablets will expire October 2026. Nifuran 100mg tablet stock was depleted early 2025. New brand: Nitrofurantoin tab 50mg Clinec
admin82291
Apr 161 min read


Update on how Pharmac is working with the recent Section 29 and 29A changes
We are writing to update you on how Pharmac is working with the recent changes to the Medicines Act 1981 that have been made to support the management of medicine supply issues. Key messages: Section 29 permits the sale or supply of an unapproved medicine to a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or pharmacist prescriber for the treatment of a patient under their care. Section 29A permits the sale or supply of an unapproved medicine that is funded by Pharmac as an alt
admin82291
Apr 152 min read


Pharmac - Supply Update
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 Candesartan (Candestar) 4 mg tablets Stock is low. An alternative has been listed, it has French labelling. A patient flyer with pictures is available for download. Isosorbide mononitrate
admin82291
Apr 133 min read


Discontinuation: Univent nebules. New listing: Ipratropium Viatris brand
We are writing to inform you of the following: Discontinuation: Ipratropium bromide nebuliser soln, 250 mcg per ml, 2 ml ampoule (Univent) New listing: Ipratropium bromide nebuliser soln, 0.5mg per 2ml ampoule (Viatris) Ipratropium bromide nebuliser soln, 250 mcg per ml, 2 ml ampoule (Univent) has been discontinued. Remaining Univent stock is being reserved for ambulances. The alternate Section 29 Accord brand currently listed is expected to be depleted by May 2026. A secon
admin82291
Apr 91 min read


Decision to fund two new combination treatments and widen access to another for people with a type of blood cancer
Pharmac has decided to fund two new combination treatments and widen access to ibrutinib for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) from 1 May 2026.Under this decision: People with CLL will be able to receive venetoclax with ibrutinib or venetoclax with obinutuzumab as first‑line treatments, meaning they can be used as an initial treatment option rather than after other treatments have been tried. Access to ibrutinib will be widened so it can be used on its own as a
admin82291
Apr 91 min read


Decision to fund letermovir to prevent serious infection
Pharmac has decided to fund letermovir, a medicine that helps prevent serious viral infection in people with very weak immune systems. From 1 May 2026, letermovir will be funded for people who have had a stem cell transplant, as well as a small number of other people with severe immunosuppression who cannot use other funded antiviral medicines. This decision follows public consultation and strong feedback from clinicians involved in stem cell transplant care, patient groups,
admin82291
Apr 91 min read

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