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Insulin syringes: BD brand is moving to Embecta The BD brand of insulin syringes is being rebranded as “Embecta”. It is the same product, but the box looks different. The website has example pictures showing the change of in appearance of the boxes. > Insulin syringes: BD brand is moving to Embecta Promethazine 25 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule All stock of this product in New Zealand (Pharmacode: 722952) is short-dated. A section 29 alternative has been listed. > Promethazine supply notice...

Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 3 July 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues 03-07-2026 Pharmac Weekly Update to Prescribers in Primary Care Supply issue: candesartan (Candestar) (all strengths) Due to issues at the manufacturing plant, there is extremely limited supply of all strengths (4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, and 32 mg) of candesartan tablets (Candestar brand and...

Tēnā koe, We are pleased to share the refreshed New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2026–2029 Te Mahere mō te Mate Pukupuku o Aotearoa 2026–2029. Cancer continues to place a significant and growing burden on Aotearoa New Zealand. More than 30,000 people are diagnosed each year, with this number expected to increase significantly in the coming decades as the population ages.While survival rates have improved, inequities in access and outcomes persist across different communities. This Plan sets a...

Our latest CPD options for you: Injectables for weight loss WEBINAR 7 July, 7.30pm. Jeremy Krebs on initiating and managing injectable therapies, focusing on contraindications, dose titration, maintenance dosing and intolerance management. Register here Managing lumbar and cervical spine presentations WEBINAR 14 July, 7.30pm. Otis Shirley will outline a practical primary care approach to common lumbar and cervical spine presentations, including recognising key pathologies, assessing red...

Kia ora, Pharmac has been informed by Abbott of a change in age range and label affecting PediaSure Chocolate 200 ml. The new stated age range is 3-10 years (previously 1-10years). This is due to changes in the European regulatory requirements, where the product is manufactured. There has been no change in the formulation or nutritional composition of the product. PediaSure Vanilla 200mL and PediaSure Strawberry 200mL remain suitable for ages 1-10 years and can be used as...

From 1 October 2026, the statin rosuvastatin will no longer require a Special Authority for funded access. This means it will be open listed and may be prescribed as a funded medicine to any New Zealander where clinically appropriate. You can read the notification on the Pharmac website here Please share this information: Please share this information with your colleagues and within your networks. If you have any questions regarding this supply issue, please contact enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz....