Capsaicin (Zostrix and Zostrix HP and Rugby): Supply issue and recall

Supply issue Recall Active

The Zostrix and Zostrix HP capsaicin creams (pharmacodes 472786 and 2022710) are being replaced by Zo-Rub and Zo-Rub HP. There is an issue with the 0.075% Rugby brand cream.

30 August 2024 update

Zostrix and Zostrix HP are being replaced by a new brand, Zo-Rub. We listed the product from 1 August 2024.

AFT Pharmaceuticals Ltd are recalling tubes of Capsaicin Topical Cream 0.075% (Pharmacode 2582252) which may have non-compliant appearance. The affected batch is Batch: 24-01307, EXP: 01/2026. No other products or batches are affected.

The Zo-Rub HP product may not be ready in time, so some people may not be able to access 0.075% capsaicin cream for a brief period. The Rugby brand 0.025% strength remains available.

The supplier has written to pharmacies about this issue. 

Affected product

Both Zostrix (472786) and Zostrix HP (2022710) cream have been replaced. 

Resupply date

Zostrix and Zostrix HP are being replaced by a new brand, Zo-Rub Osteo and Zo-Rub HP. We expect Zo-Rub to become available during late August to early September. 

Alternative products

Zo-Rub: new brand from late August/early September 2024

Zo-Rub is not Medsafe approved and will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.  

Chemical: Capsaicin

  • Presentation: Crm 0.025% 
  • Brand: Zo-Rub Osteo 
  • Pharmacode: 2682885
  • Subsidy: $9.75
  • Measure / Qty: per 45 g OP
  • Presentation: Crm 0.075%
  • Brand: Zo-Rub HP 
  • Pharmacode: 2682893
  • Subsidy: $11.95
  • Measure / Qty: per 45 g OP

Rugby brand was supplied since 2022

The supplier has secured a supply of an alternate brand, Rugby Capsaicin Topical Cream (both strengths have the same name). These alternates are listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

Schedule listings for capsaicin(external link) 

Capsaicin cream 0.025% 

  • Replacing Zostrix = Rugby Capsaicin Topical Cream - Pharmacode 2578409 

Capsaicin cream 0.075% 

  • Replacing Zostrix HP = Rugby Capsaicin Topical Cream - Pharmacode 2582252

Note: one batch of this product has been recalled because of an appearance non-compliance, Batch: 24-01307, EXP: 01/2026

The alternate products are not Medsafe approved and as such will need to prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.

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)

Who to contact

If you have questions about the funding for this product, 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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