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.

28 November 2024 | Update

Unfortunately, the issue that was affecting the 0.5 mcg capsules is now affecting supply of the 0.25 mcg capsules (Pharmacode: 2091038). We have listed an alternative from 1 January 2025. The product may not be available immediately, but should be available by early to mid-January 2025.

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)

Alternative products

0.25 mg alternative listed 1 January 2025

We have listed an alternative from 1 January 2025. The product may not be available immediately, but should be available by early to mid-January 2025. This product is not Medsafe approved and will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.

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

0.5 mg 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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