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New community medicine notices

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Heparin sodium inj 5,000 iu per ml, 5 ml ampoule (Brand change) (Pharmacode: 2651815) The funded brand of heparin sodium injections (5,000 iu/ml 5 ml ampoules) is changing from Panpharma to Pfizer. Pfizer will be listed from 1 November 2025. A flyer for patients is available.


Nonacog gamma [Recombinant Factor IX] (Rixubis) Inj 2,000 iu vial (Pharmacode: 2487950) Due to recent high demand, Takeda, the supplier has low stock of the inj 2,000 iu vial of Rixubis. Takeda is working directly with affected customers.


Testosterone (Depo-Testosterone) injections (Pharmacode: 741264). Due to delays at the factory making Depo-Testosterone, there is likely to be an out-of-stock affecting people who take this product between late October and December 2025. A flyer for patients is available.


Lidocaine gel brand change


Mucosoothe (Orion Laboratories) is changing to Xylocaine Viscous (Aspen).


1 November 2025 | Xylocaine Viscous Oral (gel) soln 2%, 200ml (Pharmacode 290513) listed.


1 April 2026 | Mucosoothe Oral (gel) soln 2%, 200ml (Pharmacode 2513307) will be delisted and Xylocaine Viscous Oral will have principal supply status.


Updated notices


Calcitonin (Miacalcic) Inj 100 iu per ml, 1 ml ampoule Stock of the registered product has been released from quarantine. The supplier aims to supply wholesalers in the week beginning 27 October 2025 (after Labour Day).


Flecainide acetate (Tambocor) Inj 10 mg per ml, 15 ml ampoule The next shipment of Tambocor (inj 10 mg per ml, 15 ml ampoule) has been delayed until November 2025. Ample stock of the Tambocor German (Pharmacode: 2696967) remains available.


Insulin co-formulations discontinuations The supplier of Apidra has stopped supplying the 10 ml injection (Pharmacode: 2317109). The 3 ml injection and disposable pen will remain available.


Mesalazine 400 mg and 800 mg tablets (Asacol) (Pharmacode: 241113 and 2536544) Stock of the registered 400 mg product has arrived. The supplier aims to have it out to wholesalers in the week beginning 27 October 2025 (after Labour Day).Methylphenidate Supplier stock holdings as at 23 October 2025. This remains the same as last week.


  • Concerta: Stock of all strengths available

  • Ritalin: All strengths available, except 20 mg long acting

  • Rubifen: All strengths and presentations, except 20 mg immediate release

  • Teva: only 36 mg strength available, 18 and 54 mg should be available by the end of October.


Oestradiol patches Sandoz, the supplier of Estradot patches, and Medsafe are aware of quality and efficacy concerns from consumers of Estradot patches. Medsafe's initial investigation has not identified any product quality issues that explain the adhesion or lack of efficacy issues. Estradot monitoring communication | Medsafe website


Oxycodone (Oxycodone Amneal) 5, 10, and 20 mg tabs immediate release tablets Wellmed advises that the next delivery has been further delayed. The export permits have been issued and shipping is being organised.


Sodium bicarbonate (Biomed) Inj 8.4%, 50 and 100 ml (Pharmacodes: 2244152 and 2244144) There is limited stock available at Biomed of both presentations of sodium bicarbonate injections. We are continuing to monitor the supply situation.


Sodium cromoglicate (Ralicrom) Cap 100 mg (Pharmacode: 2628295) The next shipment has been released and is available. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around New Zealand Aotearoa.


Resolved issues


  • None


Note: Supply issues are marked as resolved one week after when the supplier has product available. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks for stock to reach pharmacies around the motu.


Recent decisions or open consultations




Monthly updates



Our mailing address is:

Te Pātaka Whaioranga | Pharmac

Level 9 Simpl House

40 Mercer Street, Wellington Central

Wellington, Wellington 6011 

New Zealand


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