Special Authority change: olanzapine depot inj 210 mg, 300 mg & 405 mg vial (Zyprexa Relprevv)

Kia ora

We are writing to inform you of a change for olanzapine depot injections.

Currently, to initiate a patient on treatment with olanzapine depot injection prescribers must submit an Exceptional Circumstances application using a NPPA form. This was implemented to manage the supply issue with olanzapine depot.

Key date:

• From 1 February 2026, prescribers will instead be able to submit a Special Authority application to initiate treatment. Patients already on olanzapine depot inj will be able to continue to access treatment via Special Authority, no further action is required from prescribers. Pharmac webpage - Special Authority application – how to submit

Key changes:

• While there is currently enough supply for the patients who are on treatment, the supply issue has not completely resolved.

• The change back to Special Authority approvals is intended to reduce the administration burden for prescribers rather than significantly increase the number of patients being started on treatment.

• The new Special Authority criteria will be the same as the criteria patients must meet to gain approval through the Exceptional Circumstances applications.

• Supply is not secure enough to reinstate the original Special Authority criteria yet.

• The new Special Authority criteria can be seen on the Pharmac olanzapine depot webpage.

• Note – no new patients to be initiated on olanzapine. This note will be removed from the Community Schedule 1 February 2026.

• For continuation only. This note will be removed from the Hospital Medicines List 1 February 2026.

Questions: 

If you have any queries, please contact us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

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Ngā mihi,

Anna  I Senior Advisor Implementation

Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | PO Box 10 254 | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington

P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz