Empowering New Zealand Nurses for Excellence in Healthcare

We are writing to advise you of a supply disruption affecting all strengths of Ramipril (Tryzan) due to an issue at the manufacturing site. Stock of the registered capsules is expected to run out progressively from late April through June, and no resupply of the registered product is expected until mid–late 2026. To maintain continuity of treatment, the supplier has sourced alternatives for all strengths. The alternatives products are tablets rather than capsules, and are not Medsafe...

Please follow this link to our website for the April 2026 Tender Notification. Ngā mihi, Jade Matthews-Wanden | Tender Analyst Te Pātaka Whaioranga | Pharmac | PO Box 10 254 | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington | P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz

Early identification of AAS in younger Māori This study examined ethnic disparities in acute aortic syndrome (AAS) in Midland region patients1. Researchers conducted a 10-year retrospective review (2010–2020) of 250 consecutive AAS cases, in which Māori made up 23.3% of the population. Outcomes were compared between Māori and non-Māori. Māori patients accounted for 36.8% of cases and had a significantly higher age-standardised incidence of AAS (6.9 vs 2.0 per 100,000 person-years). They...

We are writing to inform you of the: Discontinuation: Duolin nebuliser soln, salbutamol 2.5 mg with ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg per vial, 2.5 ml ampoule New listing: Combiprasal nebuliser soln, salbutamol 2.5 mg with ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg per vial, 2.5 ml ampoule Duolin nebuliser soln has been discontinued. The alternate Cipla brand has an expiry date of 30 June 2026. A second alternate, Combiprasal brand will be funded from 1 May 2026. Combiprasal active ingredients and strength remain...

Due to a delay at the manufacturing site, there is a supply issue affecting Ezetimibe with Simvastatin 10/40 mg (Zimybe). From 1 May 2026 Pharmac is funding an alternative product Ezetimibe with Simvastatin 10/40 mg (Vytorin). This is not a Medsafe approved product and should be prescribed and supplied in line with Section 29A of the Medicines Act 1981. Further information will be added to our webpage as updates become available – Ezetimibe with simvastatin (Zimybe) 10/40 mg: Supply issue ...

Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 24 April 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Discontinuation: Duolin nebuliser soln, containing salbutamol 2.5 mg with ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg per vial, 2.5 ml ampoule New listing: Combiprasal nebuliser soln, containing salbutamol 2.5 mg with ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg per vial, 2.5 ml ampoule Duolin nebuliser soln has been...

We’re emailing you today to let you know of a supply issue affecting the 75 mcg strength of Estradot patches. The 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 100 mcg strengths are not currently affected. We expect a shipment of more than 2 months’ supply of Estradot patches to arrive in late April, which we expect will solve the immediate issue. However, supply of Estradot could be disrupted again. This global supply issue has been ongoing since 2022 and is not related to the conflict in the Middle East. We have...

It's important to distinguish rosacea from the malar rash of lupus. Rosacea treatments are effective but should be started early, as late-stage rosacea (telangiectasias and rhinophyma) is expensive to treat cosmetically. Additionally, confusing the two risks undertreating lupus or overtreating rosacea. In his session at our Dermatology Update on Saturday May 16, Consultant Dermatologist Aaron Secrest offers a practical, pattern-based approach to determing which rash you are looking at....

Please see attached HNZ Cyber-Panui April 2026

Our latest selection of CPD options for you: Roadside testing, and Advance Care Planning WEBINAR 28 April: Join Anna Skinner on how the newly introduced roadside drug testing process works, and Jane Goodwin on how ACP supports meaningful conversations about values and preferences. Register here High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) WEBINAR 12 May: Rajan Patel discusses the importance of early detection and timely management of high-risk cSCC. Register here Management of...

Kia ora koutou Pharmac has now opened public consultation on the review of the Exceptional Circumstances Framework , including the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA). We would appreciate your support in sharing this information with your networks, particularly with anyone who has experience of, or an interest in, the Exceptional Circumstances Framework. We also welcome requests for direct meetings to discuss the review and provide feedback. I have provided some background...

Kia ora We are writing to inform you of a further supply issue with sodium cromoglicate cap 100 mg (Ralicrom) Key messages: Ralicrom capsules have been out of stock since December 2025. During this time, we funded three alternative brands, but all available stock has now been used including the Somex Section 29 brand (Pharmacode: 2719649) Stock of Ralicrom (Pharmacode: 2628295) is expected to arrive during the week ending 24 April 2026. This is the Medsafe approved product. The...

Kia ora koutou Thanks for your ongoing engagement on the Ministry’s targeted review of the Cremation Regulations 1973. I am getting in touch to let you know that the Cremation Amendment Regulations 2026 have been finalised and will take effect from 7 May 2026 . You can find information on our website here: https://www.health.govt.nz/news/updated-cremation-rules-to-reduce-delays-for-families https://www.health.govt.nz/regulation-legislation/burial-and-cremation Further guidance on...

Nga mohiohio e pa ana ki enei mahi - About this position Nelson Tasman Hospice is part of the Whakatu and Te Tai o Aorere communities, providing specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting illness and their whānau. Our team plays a vital role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care across our region. We are seeking an experienced Nurse Practitioner to join our interdisciplinary team (IDT) in a permanent, full-time role. This position involves advanced clinical assessment,...

At Nelson Tasman Hospice, we provide compassionate, specialist palliative care that supports patients and their whānau to live every moment with dignity, respect, and comfort. Our work extends beyond clinical excellence—it is grounded in equity, advocacy, and humanity. We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Registered Nurse to join our highly skilled nursing team. This role offers flexibility to work across all Hospice services, including our Inpatient Unit, Community Services,...

Start your week with fresh medicine supply notice news! We’re moving this email to a Monday mailout. You can check all medicine notices at any time on our website 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. Conflict in the Middle East: Impact on the supply chain New medicine supply notices Droperidol inj 2.5 mg per ml, 1 ml ampoule ...

Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 17 April 2026. It includes information on: New updates Resolved Supply Issues Supply disruption: Isosorbide mononitrate 40mg (Ismo 40 Retard) Due to an increase in demand and shipping delays because of the conflict in the Middle East, stock of Ismo 40 Retard is running low. Resupply of Isosorbide mononitrate 40 mg (Ismo 40 Retard) is expected by the end of April....

We are writing to inform you of a supply issue: Imiquimod (Padagis) cream 5% sachets. Key messages: The supplier of Imiquimod (Padagis) cream 5% sachets has notified that due to the conflict in the Middle East this product will be in short supply. Pharmac has sourced and listed (funded) Aldara cream 5% sachets as an alternate. The Aldara brand has the same active ingredient. This is not a Medsafe approved product and will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with Section 29A of the...

Due to an increase in demand and shipping delays because of the conflict in the Middle East, stock of Ismo 40 Retard is running low. Resupply of Isosorbide mononitrate 40 mg (Ismo 40 Retard) is expected by the end of April; once stock is released it can take a further 1-2 weeks for stock to distribute through the supply chain. If pharmacies are unable to obtain additional stock before then, affected patients may require a new prescription for an alternative treatment. We have clinical...