Atorvastatin (Lorstat) 10, 20 and 40 mg tabs: Dispensing returned to all-at-once

Monthly dispensing from 1 October 2024

To avoid a possible supply issue, Pharmac removed "all-at-once" (stat) dispensing from atorvastatin (Lorstat) 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets. The supplier, Viatris, advised of a delay to the supply of 20 mg tablets – this led to our late decision to change dispensing frequency. 

Return to all-at-once (stat) dispensing 1 November 2024  

Viatris advises that the issue has now been resolved and supply of 20 mg tablets has returned to normal. Due to system restrictions with the Schedule, we could not reinstate stat dispensing before 1 November 2024.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We took this action to avoid a larger supply issue.

Affected products

Atorvastatin    

• Presentation: Tab 10 mg
• Brand: Lorstat
• Pharmacode: 2493586
• Subsidy: $5.16
• Measure / Qty: per 500

• Presentation: Tab 20 mg
• Brand: Lorstat
• Pharmacode: 2493594
• Subsidy: $8.12
• Measure / Qty: per 500

• Presentation: Tab 40 mg
• Brand: Lorstat
• Pharmacode: 2493608
• Subsidy: $13.79
• Measure / Qty: per 500

For pharmacists

We have developed a generic A5 flier for supply issues. We hope it will support conversations with people affected by supply issues. 

Who to contact

If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.

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