Baricitinib: Discontinuation (Hospital only)
From 1 February 2025 baricitinib (brand name Olumiant) will be delisted from the Hospital Medicines List (Pharmacodes: 2631229 and 2631237).
Alternative treatment for supply issue
Pharmac secured a supply of 2 mg and 4mg baricitinib in 2021 when New Zealand was experiencing supply issues with tocilizumab. We wanted to make sure people hospitalised with severe COVID-19 had a treatment available to them.
We only intended this to be a one-off purchase. Now that the supply issues with tocilizumab are resolved, baricitinib is no longer needed. Tocilizumab continue to be funded for people hospitalised with moderate to severe COVID-19.
Current stock expired
The stock of baricitinib in New Zealand expired in 2024. As there is ample stock available of tocilizumab, Pharmac has not ordered any more baricitinib.
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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