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Pharmac - Supply Update

  • 2 hours ago
  • 2 min read

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.



New medicine supply notices


Ensure: Pack size change Ensure powders are changing from 850 g to 800 g. The price remains the same. New Pharmacodes are listed from 1 April. New packs will start arriving during June 2026.


Fluconazole (150 mg cap) (Pharmacode: 2149079) The supplier expects to run out during April. We have listed Flucazole (Pharmacode: 2173824) as an alternative.


Pirfenidone: Brand change From 1 May, the Sandoz brand will be listed. Esbriet will be funded until 1 October. Of note for pharmacists, there is no OP for the 801 mg strength of the Sandoz brand due to the decrease in price. A patient flyer is available to support discussions about the brand change.


Ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursosan) (Pharmacode: 2397528) The supplier is out of stock and there is limited stock in the supply chain. The next shipment is expected to arrive Friday 27 March (today). It can take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies.


Updated medicine supply notices


Acetylcysteine (DBL Acetylcysteine) Inj 200 mg per ml, 10 ml ampoule (Pharmacode: 2260794) Stock has arrived and been released to wholesalers.


Calcitonin (Miacalcic) Inj 100 iu per ml, 1 ml ampoule (Pharmacode: 2548356) Stock has arrived and been released to wholesalers.


Ipratropium bromide nebules (Nebuliser soln, 250 mcg per ml, 2 ml ampoule) (Pharmacode: 2154307) Univent brand nebules are not returning to NZ. We have listed another s29 alternative. It will be available once the Accord brand runs out, likely in May 2026.



  • Concerta: Only the 54 mg is available

  • Ritalin: All strengths available

  • Rubifen: All strengths available

  • Sandoz XR: All strengths available

  • Teva: All strengths available.


Rosuvastatin (all strengths) Over the coming months, the Viatris brand will run out. The Sandoz brand is listed and Medsafe approved to cover supply. A patient flyer is available on the website.


Sodium Fusidate [fusidic acid] (Foban) Oint 2% (Pharmacode: 2556189) Stock has arrived and is being released to wholesalers. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the country.


Resolved issues


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

Consultations & Notifications

 

Review of the Exceptional Circumstances Framework (consultation closes: 7 June 2026)


Monthly updates



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