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Pharmac Update: Primary Care Prescribers | 07 November 2025

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Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 07 November 2025. It includes information on: 


Supply issue: codeine phosphate tab all strengths


Noumed, the supplier of codeine phosphate tablets, has advised that the 30 mg presentation is currently out of stock. Limited stock remains of the 15 mg and 60 mg presentations. New stock will be available in the week commencing 17 November.


Noumed has recently completed stability testing and received approval to extend the shelf life of codeine phosphate tablets from 24 months to 36 months. It holds a significant quantity of 15 mg tablets and a moderate quantity of 60 mg tablets in New Zealand that meet the new shelf-life criteria but are still labelled with the original 24-month expiry. Medsafe approved updating the label to reflect the 36-month shelf life.


HCL has confirmed over labelling of the tab 60 mg and tab 15 mg presentations will start week commencing 10 November 2025. HCL anticipates approximately 2,000 packs to be over labelled daily.


Given the shortage all strengths, please check supply with patients and consider alternative treatments where clinically appropriate. We will continue to provide updates Codeine supply issue on Pharmac website.


Supply issue resolved: oxycodone hydrochloride (Oxycodone Amneal) tab immediate release 5mg, 10mg and 20mg

Stock has arrived at the suppliers and is currently being distributed to wholesalers.


Potential supply issue: Oxycodone hydrochloride Oral liquid 1mg per ml


Stock of the oxycodone liquid is constrained due to the tablet supply issue. For patients who have been switched to Oxycodone 1mg/1ml oral liquid, please revert them back to a tablet formulation when able.


Supply issue: desmopressin acetate 10 microgram/dose (Desmopressin PH&T Nasal Spray 6ml) 


AFT, the supplier of Desmopressin-PH&T Nasal Spray has advised there is low stock in New Zealand due to manufacturing delays and issues with the release of a recently arrived shipment. We are working closely with AFT to understand when supply of the nasal spray will be restored.


Other funded presentations of desmopressin are not affected by this supply issue and are shown on our website – Community Schedule: Desmopressin. 


Delist: raloxifene 60mg tab (Evista)The supplier, Eli Lilly, has advised Pharmac that it is withdrawing raloxifene 60mg tab (Evista) from multiple markets across the world including New Zealand. We expect stock to run out December 2025.


Please consider transitioning your patient to an alternative. Alternative treatments available include:


  • For osteoporosis: alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, denosumab or teriparatide.

  • For risk of breast cancer: tamoxifen


Discontinuation: nifedipine 10mg long-acting tablets (Tensipine MR10)


We expect stock of nifedipine 10mg long-acting tablets (Tensipine MR10) to run out in November 2025. Prescribers need to transition all patients currently taking nifedipine 10mg long-acting tablets (Tensipine MR10) to alternative treatments. Alternative calcium channel blockers are available.



It is recommended to not divide the 20mg nifedipine MR (Tensipine MR20) tablet to get a 10mg dose. This may result in treatment-induced hypotension.


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


From 1 December 2025, the main funded brands of oestradiol patches are changing to Estradiol TDP Mylan (supplied by Viatris) and Estradot (supplied by Sandoz). Both brands will continue to have a ‘2 patch per week’ limit on each strength.


Everyone who uses funded oestradiol patches will need to use either of these brands. The following brands of oestradiol patches will be delisted on 1 December.  Please consider transferring your patients onto a funded alternative.

  • Lyllana

  • Estradiol Sandoz

  • Estradiol Viatris

  • Estraderm MX

 

Pharmac has secured as much Estradot as the supplier can provide. However, there may be times when there is not enough Estradot for everyone who needs it. We will provide regular updates on stock availability of both brands on the Pharmac website - Oestradiol patches.


Please note on the prescription a person’s preferred brand of oestradiol patches. So that there is enough stock of Estradot for the people who need it, we are asking you to consider prescribing:


  • The Estradiol TDP Mylan brand of oestradiol patches for people starting treatment.

  • The Estradiol TDP Mylan brand of oestradiol patches for people who are already using it without concern.

  • The Estradot brand of oestradiol patches for people who need it.


 Proposal relating to changes to funded access of infliximab, etanercept, secukinumab and rituximab


Pharmac would appreciate feedback on a proposal to make changes to the funded access of infliximab, etanercept, secukinumab and rituximab.If approved, changes would be made to the access criteria (Special Authority and Hospital Restrictions) for these medicines including:


  • increasing approval durations,

  • widening the number of prescribers who can make funding applications and,

  • allowing lifetime approvals in some cases.


This proposal reflects feedback received during previous consultations and aligns with Pharmac’s commitment to reducing administrative burden and improving access to funded treatments.


More information about the proposal is available on our website - Proposal relating to funded access to infliximab, etanercept, secukinumab and rituximab.


The consultation closes 5pm Thursday 27 November.


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.


Ketoconazole (Sebizole) Shampoo 2%


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