Ciprofloxacin tablets: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

In 2022 the supplier of ciprofloxacin tablets, Viatris, advised it was discontinuing supply. Pharmac has been working with another supplier to supply ciprofloxacin.

7 May 2024 update

The supplier released stock of the 250mg (Pharmacode 2672022) in the week beginning 29 April 2024. 

There was a delay on the release of the 500 mg (Pharmacode 2664615), stock was released by the supplier to wholesalers today (7 May 2024).

We understand that there may be some delays for pharmacies trying to get stock from their wholesaler. Pharmacists, please contact your wholesaler. 

Affected product

Viatris, the supplier of Cipflox, is discontinuing this product. 

Tab 250 mg – Cipflox (Pharmacode 2104997) – out of stock

Tab 500 mg – Cipflox (Pharmacode 2105004) – out of stock and delisted 1 April 2024 

Tab 750 mg – Cipflox (Pharmacode 2105012) – out of stock

Schedule listing for ciprofloxicin(external link)

Alternative product

Pharmac has been working with a supplier to get a Medsafe-approved product back into New Zealand. However, there will be a period of time when no approved product will be available. We have listed alternatives for the 500 mg and 250 mg presentations which are not Medsafe approved. 

Alternative ciprofloxacin listed

Brand: Ciprofloxacin - Torrent

  • Presentation: Tab 500 mg
  • Pharmacode: 2664615
  • Subsidy: $4.25
  • Measure / Qty: per 10
  • supplied under Section 29 
  • Supply status: Available from the supplier
  • Presentation: Tab 250 mg
  • Pharmacode: 2672022
  • Subsidy: $3.85
  • Measure / Qty: per 10
  • supplied under Section 29
  • Supply status: Available from the supplier 

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)

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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