top of page

Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers | 05 December 2025

ree

Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 05 December 2025. It includes information on: 


Pharmac funding both Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan brands of oestradiol patches


From 1 December 2025, the funded brands of oestradiol patches will be Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot. Everyone who uses funded oestradiol patches will need to use either of these brands.


Pharmac have created an on-line portal where GP practices can order (free of charge) oestradiol flyers to help with informing patients about this change.  These can be ordered via the  Bluestar order form for A5 patient fliers (external link). The flyer can be also seen on our website oestradiol flyer [PDF, 508 KB].


Recall notice: Continuous glucose monitor (interoperable) Sensor (Freestyle Libre 3 Plus)


Abbott, the supplier, has issued a recall for some batches of FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus continuous glucose monitors. Abbott has recently identified that certain FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors provide incorrect low glucose readings. This is a global issue. This issue does not affect any other Libre sensors, apps or readers available in New Zealand. 


Abbott has contacted every patient who may be affected. You can check whether CGMs are affected on a website provided by Abbott: Urgent medical device recall - FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensors.


Abbott will arrange to replace the faulty products free of charge.


Discontinuation: amiloride hydrochloride 5 mg with furosemide 40 mg (Frumil tabs) 


Sanofi the supplier is discontinuing Frumil tablets. This is a global discontinuation, due to low usage. Please consider prescribing a funded, Medsafe registered, suitable alternative for affected patients. Amiloride 5mg tablets are not Medsafe approved and will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with Section 29 of the Medicines Act.  It is estimated Frumil tabs stock will be depleted by 28 February 2026.


Brand Change: enalapril tab 5 mg, tab 10 mg and tab 20 mg


Miro Healthcare Limited’s brand of enalapril (Enalapril-Ipca) tab 5 mg, tab 10 mg and tab 20 mg will be listed on both Schedules from 1 February 2026 until 30 June 2028. The current brand – Viatris (Acetec) will be delisted from both Schedules on 1 July 2026.

Miro have confirmed that their enalapril product is the same as the product which was available in NZ (enalapril maleate Ethics) between 2013 and 2021, but the new product will now have different packaging.


The tablets have a different appearance to the prior brand as can be seen on our webpage, which includes a patient information leaflet. Enalapril: Your brand is changing.


Supply issue update: zinc sulphate (Zincaps) Capsules 50mg


As previously communicated, there is a supply issue with Zincaps. Arrotex is now out of stock. The alternative Section 29 Zincaps was listed 1 October 2025, and there is limited stock remaining of this product. There have been further manufacturing delays, and resupply of the Medsafe approved Zincaps is now expected in February 2026.


Pharmac is investigating further options for alternative supply and is working with wholesalers and individual pharmacies to ensure supply is available for people with rare disorders.


Update on Methylphenidate Sandoz XR


There has been a brief delay on the arrival of the new brand of methylphenidate, Methylphenidate Sandoz XR, which has been funded from 1 December 2025. Pharmacies can order stock from wholesalers from mid-December 2025. Decision to fund a new brand of methylphenidate hydrochloride.


Pharmac consultation: Improving access to treatments in the community for trauma and medical emergencies, and ketamine for palliative care



We want to make sure that everyone who needs to know about this proposal is aware of it. Please share this information with people you think might be interested.


Proposal to fund a new strength of thiamine hydrochloride injection


Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to fund a new strength of thiamine hydrochloride injection: 50 mg per ml in a 2 ml ampoule. 


Pharmac currently funds two strengths of thiamine hydrochloride injection:

  • 100 mg per ml (1 ml and 2 ml vials)

  • 125 mg per ml (2 ml vial)


These would continue to be funded alongside the proposed 50 mg per ml (2 ml ampoule). If approved, this new strength would be funded from 1 April 2026. Proposal to fund a new strength of thiamine hydrochloride injection.


We welcome your feedback. Consultation is open until 4pm Monday 15 December 2025.  Please send your feedback to consult@pharmac.govt.nz.


Resolved Supply Issues:


Supply issues are marked as resolved when stock arrives in the country and is released to wholesalers. After this, it can take another 1-2 weeks for pharmacies to receive stock, depending on where they are located around New Zealand.

  • Desmopressin acetate (Desmopressin-PH&T) Nasal spray 10 mcg per

  • Rifampicin (Rifadin) Oral liq 100 mg per 5 ml


ree


bottom of page