Calcium folinate solution for injection: Supply issue

Affected products

We are advised that: 

• 5 ml vial (pharmacode 2539195/2611368): out of stock
• 10 ml vial (pharmacode 2539209): out of stock  
• 35 ml vial (pharmacode 2539217/2611341): is available
• 100 ml vial (pharmacode 2539225): is available

Check the Schedule listing for calcium folinate(external link)

Resupply date

Sandoz has advised that the 5 ml and 10 ml vials will be resupplied by the end of November 2023.

Alternative products

Some stock of alternative brands is available should you need stock urgently. These products are approved by the TGA and supplied in Australia. As they are not Medsafe approved, they would be supplied under section 29 of the Medicines Act. They are:

• Calcium folinate (Leucovorin DBL) inj 300 mg (Pharmacode 2034298)
• Calcium folinate (Leucovorin Pharmacia) inj 50 mg (Pharmacode 296902) 

They are listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule(external link)

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 section 29 medicines – Health Navigator website(external link)

Who to contact

If you are treated with calcium folinate, talk to your pharmacist or prescriber. They know you best. Pharmac cannot give clinical advice on any individual person.

If you have questions about funding for these products, email us on enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz