News

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 Section 29A of the...

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 have clinical...

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 treatment for...

Alopecia isn’t just cosmetic - it can be a marker of underlying disease and has meaningful emotional and quality-of-life consequences. In her session at our Dermatology Update on Saturday May 16, Consultant Dermatologist Cristina Mello, offers a practical, pattern-based approach to identifying common alopecia types, recognising red flags, initiating management, and knowing when to refer, with guidance on prognosis and patient counselling.  Register now to secure your spot!  See the full...

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Issue 340 - 16 April 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 access,...