Bedaquiline (Sirturo) tablets: Supply issue resolved

Last Updated: 22 May 2024

Due to unusual ordering patterns, there was a potential supply issue affecting bedaquiline tablets (Pharmacode 2659956), which treat multiple drug resistant tuberculosis.

22 May 2024 Update

The supplier has stock of the original tablets again (Pharmacode 2659956).

Affected product

We were advised of a significant increase of orders for bedaquiline tablets. The usual demand of bedaquiline tablets is 4-5 packs per month, this had trebled in the months leading to this notice.

Note this only related to orders for the tablets. Multiple drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a notifiable disease. Pharmac is not aware of an increase in the number of reported cases of MDR-TB.

Chemical: Bedaquiline
Presentation: Tab 100mg
Brand: Sirturo
Pharmacode: 2659956
Subsidy: $3084.51
Measure / Qty: per 24 OP

Pharmac understands that availability of bedaquiline tablets varies by location.

What is being done to address the issue

The supplier found an alternate which received provisional Medsafe approval.

The alternative was listed in the HML(external link).

About bedaquiline

Bedaquiline is used to treat multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), it prevents the growth of tuberculosis in the body. It is used in people who have already been treated with other medicines that did not work well. We understand the importance of having this medicine available.

Who to contact

If you or your whānau are affected by this supply issue, talk to the person who prescribed your bedaquiline.

If you have any other questions, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

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