Capecitabine (Capercit) tab 500 mg: Supply issue

Last Updated: 28 April 2023

Supply issue Active

There has been a supply issue affecting the 500 mg strength of capecitabine tablets.

Update 28 April 2023

We are confirming a resupply date for Capercit.

Affected product

There is a supply issue affecting of capecitabine 500 mg tablets (Pharmacode 2578123). The 150 mg strength is not currently affected by this supply issue.

Schedule listing for capecitabine(external link)

Resupply date to be confirmed

We are working with the supplier on resupply date for Capercit.

Section 29 alternative product

We listed an alternative brand from 23 February 2023. Stock of Capecitabine-DRLA can be made available by the supplier should the need arise.

Listing information for Capecitabine-DRLA

This product is not Medsafe approved. It will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. It is approved in Australia. You'll find the data sheet and consumer information sheet(external link) on the TGA's website

Chemical	Formulation	Brand	Pack size	Pharmacode	Proposed price and subsidy
Capecitabine	Tab 500 mg	Capecitabine-DRLA	120	2654407	$49.00

Prescribing and supplying a medicine under section 29

Section 29 of the Medicines Act 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 – e.g., doctors.

We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. This is the only alternative available to ensure people can continue to access treatment.

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.

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

What patients need to know about section 29 medicines – Health Navigator website(external link)

Information for pharmacists

Wastage claimable
Retail pharmacy-Specialist
Non-stat dispensing

This listing appeared in the Online Schedule for 1 March 2023.

RxOne users: the listing was automatically updated by RxOne from the effective date.

TONIQ users: the listing was automatically be updated in Toniq medicine databases from the effective date.

Note that Sector Operations Group could not able to process claims for February 2023 dispensing of this listings. Pharmacies can either:

hold these claims until March 2023
reclaim them in March 2023 if they are rejected for payment in February 2023 claims.

Who to contact

If you have any questions about this supply issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Previous supply issue December 2022

We published this supply issue notice on 16 December 2022. Dr Reddy's (the supplier) advised that it affected both strengths of the Capercit brand capecitabine tablets:

150 mg Pharmacode 2578115
500 mg Pharmacode 2578123

Schedule listing for capecitabine(external link)

Expected resupply

Dr Reddy's has expedited freight and expects shipments to arrive in New Zealand as follows:

150 mg: 20 December 2022
500 mg: as at 20 December, wholesalers can order from the supplier

Please note: It will take time for these shipments to clear quality assurance and make their way through the supply chain.

We expect that the listed Dr Reddy’s product will be available before alternative supply can be secured.

We appreciate supply issues like this can be inconvenient. Thank you for your patience.