Clarithromycin (Klacid) Tab 250 mg: Supply issue resolved

Supply issue Active

Due to unusually high demand, there was a supply issue affecting the Klacid brand clarithromycin (Pharmacode: 2606038)

Affected product

Due to unusually high demand, stock of the following product ran low. 

Clarithromycin

  • Presentation: Tab 250 mg
  • Brand: Klacid
  • Pharmacode: 2606038 
  • Subsidy: $8.53
  • Measure / Qty: per 14

Schedule listing for Klacid 250 mg tablets(external link)

The 500 mg tablet and nasal spray are unaffected by this supply issue.

Alternative product

The supplier imported stock of Klaricid to ensure people can continue to access treatment. The alternative was listed from 1 March 2025. It is the same medicine with the same amount of active ingredient. However, it is labelled for the Greek market. 

Klaricid comes in packs of 12, where the currently listed brand comes in packs of 14.

It was not Medsafe registered so will have to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. We have created a flier to support pharmacists' discussions with people.

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 people to continue 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)

Resupplied mid-April 2025

The supplier advises that registered stock has arrived and orders have been sent to wholesalers. It may take another 1 to 2 weeks for stock to reach pharmacies around the motu.

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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