Calcitriol (0.5 mg caps): Supply issue

Supply issue Active

The supplier (AFT) advises that delays at the manufacturing plant have created a supply issue for the 0.5mg strength of calcitriol capsule (Pharmacode: 2091011).

4 October 2024 | Update

The alternative product is expected to arrive in mid-to-late October 2024. 

Affected product

AFT, the supplier, advises that, due to a delay with manufacturing, there is now a supply issue affecting the 0.5 mg strength of calcitriol capsules.  

  • Chemical: Calcitriol
  • Presentation: Cap 0.5 mg
  • Brand: Calcitriol-AFT
  • Pharmacode: 2091011
  • Subsidy: $13.68
  • Measure / Qty: per 100

Schedule listing for calcitriol(external link)

The 0.25 mg presentation is not currently affected by this issue.

Alternative product

The supplier has found an alternative so people can continue to get treatment. It will be listed from 1 October 2024. The alternative is not yet available to order. It should be available mid-late 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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