Calcitriol (0.25 mcg and 0.5 mcg caps): Supply issue

Supply issue Active

The supplier (AFT) advises that delays at the manufacturing plant have created a supply issue for the 0.5 mcg (Pharmacode: 2091011) and 0.25 mcg (Pharmacode: 2091038) strengths of calcitriol capsules.

Update 18 February 2025

We have been advised that the brand of the alternates listed in the Schedule differs from the product being distributed. We are working to update the Schedule to "Calcitriol XL" from 1 April 2025. 

Pharmacists can be confident that the XL Laboratories product is funded.  

Affected product

AFT, the supplier, advises that, due to a delay with manufacturing, there are supply issue affecting the 0.25 mcg and 0.5 mcg strength of calcitriol capsules.  

Chemical: Calcitriol

  • Presentation: Cap 0.5 mcg
  • Brand: Calcitriol-AFT
  • Pharmacode: 2091011
  • Subsidy: $13.68
  • Measure / Qty: per 100
  • Presentation: Cap 0.25 mcg
  • Brand: Calcitriol-AFT
  • Pharmacode: 2091038
  • Subsidy: $7.89
  • Measure / Qty: per 100

Schedule listing for calcitriol(external link)

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XL Laboratories branded boxes of calcitriol

Alternative products

The alternative products have "XL Laboratories branding". The 0.25 mcg has blue/green colours and the 0.5 mcg has red/orange colours. Both have the manufacturer as XL Laboratories. Pharmac is working on updating the Schedule listing from 1 April 2025 to match this packaging. 

We have updated the flier to include pictures of the XL Laboratories packaging.

0.25 mcg alternative listed 1 January 2025

  • Brand: Calcitriol-AFT S29 
  • Presentation: cap 0.25 mcg 
  • Pharmacode: 2695154
  • Section 29 and wastage rules apply

0.5 mcg alternative listed 1 October 2024

  • Brand: Calcitriol-AFT S29 
  • Presentation: Cap 0.5 mcg
  • Pharmacode: 2691663
  • Section 29 and wastage rules apply

Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine

Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 allows for medicines that are not Medsafe approved to be prescribed and supplied to people. The medicine must be prescribed by someone registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand – such as, a doctor. 

We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow patients to be able to access an appropriate treatment. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

Advice for prescribing under section 29 – BPAC website(external link) 

Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 medicines – Medsafe website (external link)

Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)

What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)

Expected resolution

The supplier is working with the manufacturer to understand when the next shipment will be available. 

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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