News

New medicine supply notices Benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin LA) (Pharmacode: 2258072) An alternative called Benzetacil has been listed. We have asked hospitals and sexual health providers to use this alternative and prioritise Bicillin LA for people who need a lower injection volume. > Benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin LA) supply notice Desmopressin acetate (Minirin) Tab 100 mcg (Pharmacode: 492620) There may be limited supply of this product until it’s resupplied in late June/early...

Kia ora Supply issue: Bicillin LA injection We are writing to inform you that the supplier of Benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin LA) Inj 900 mg (1.2 million units) in 2.3 ml syringe, has notified Pharmac that due to production issues arrival of the next shipment will be significantly delayed. Key Dates: The supplier has enough stock of Bicillin LA in New Zealand to supply wholesalers until late July. The next shipment is not expected until mid-November 2026. This means that supply...

Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 19 June 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Supply issue: Bicillin LA injection The supplier of Benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin LA) Inj 900 mg (1.2 million units) in 2.3 ml syringe, has notified Pharmac that due to production issues arrival of the next shipment will be significantly delayed. Key Dates: The supplier has...

Kia ora, Re: Supply Issue - Efavirenz with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil combination tablet. There is a long-term supply issue affecting efavirenz with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil. In July 2025, Pharmac listed the TEEVIR Section 29 product as an alternative. This stock is now running low and is expected to be unavailable by late June. To maintain continuity of supply, Pharmac has listed another Section 29 alternative: Tenofovir Efavirenz Emtricitabine (Mylan). This...

Kia ora, Re: Supply Issue - rizatriptan 10 mg tablets (Rizamelt). There is a supply issue affecting rizatriptan 10 mg tablets due to an issue at the manufacturer. To ensure continuity of supply, from 12 June Pharmac has listed (funded) an alternative product: Rizatriptan Rising 10 mg orodispersible tablet. This product is not approved by Medsafe and must be prescribed and supplied in accordance with Section 29A of the Medicines Act. Further information will be added to our webpage as...

Kia ora Brand Change: We are writing to inform you of a tender brand change for colchicine tab 500 mcg (Colgout). Key Dates: A new brand of colchicine tab 500 mcg (Colchicine Indoco) will be funded from 1 July 2026 and awarded Principal Supply Status from 1 December 2026 to 30 June 2028. The Colgout brand will be delisted (no longer funded) on 30 November 2026. Key messages: Colchicine tab 500 mcg is currently funded and supplied in a bottle with a child resistant closure (Colgout...