Bromocriptine: Access change and discontinuation
From 1 September 2022, bromocriptine is not funded. We previously limited access to people who were taking bromocriptine before 1 March 2021.
Why are we doing this?
Apotex supplied bromocriptine mesylate 2.5 mg tablets. Apotex has left the New Zealand market. We tried to find new suppliers for all the medicines they supplied.
Our efforts to source an alternative long-term supplier of bromocriptine have been unsuccessful. We will discontinue bromocriptine from 1 September 2022.
Current supply of bromocriptine
No new patients for bromocriptine
We want to ensure supply of bromocriptine for existing patients for as long as possible. To do this, only people who were using bromocriptine before 1 March 2021 can access funding.
Pharmacists can endorse the script where they have a record of a previous dispensing of bromocriptine.
We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause to patients, pharmacists and prescribers.
Short-term supply of unapproved bromocriptine
We are aware that bromocriptine is used for some people during pregnancy. We have sourced a short-term supply of bromocriptine to ensure people don't need to change treatment while they are pregnant. The new brand is Parlodel supplied by Novartis. It has been funded since 1 July 2021.
This product is not Medsafe-approved so would need to be prescribed and supplied to patients under section 29 of the Medicines Act. We expect that supply of this stock would last until mid 2022.
About section 29 medicines for prescribers and pharmacists – Medsafe website(external link)
About section 29 medicines for consumers – Health Navigator website(external link)
Alternatives to bromocriptine
We have received clinical advice that cabergoline is a suitable funded alternative for people receiving bromocriptine for endocrine conditions. We have amended the Special Authority to widen access to cabergoline.
Other dopamine agonists for Parkinson’s disease are fully funded without restriction.
If you know of any other suitable alternatives, contact us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Check the Schedule for funded dopamine agonists(external link)
About cabergoline – NZ Formulary(external link)
Who to contact
If you take bromocriptine, you're best to talk to your pharmacist, doctor or the person who prescribed your bromocriptine. Pharmac cannot comment on your individual clinical circumstances.
If you have a question about funding for bromocriptine or alternative agents, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz