Colestipol hydrochloride (Colestid): Discontinuation
The funded brand of colestipol hydrochloride (Colestid), is being discontinued. People will need to change to an alternative medicine.
Affected product
Pfizer is discontinuing the following product:
- Brand: Colestipol hydrochloride, (Colestid)
- Pharmacode: 648450
- Measure: Grans for oral liq 5 g
Colestipol hydrochloride (Colestid) listing in the Schedule(external link)
Alternative listed product
- Brand: Colestyramine - Mylan
- Pharmacode: 2662000
- Measure: Powder for oral suspension 4 g sachet
Colestyramine listing in the Schedule(external link)
Our expert clinical advice indicates that Colestyramine is an appropriate alternative treatment for most people. People using Colestid will need to change to Colestyramine.
Colestyramine has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 September 2023. It is not Medsafe approved. People will need to see their doctor to get a prescription for colestyramine.
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 be able to access an appropriate treatment.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
Advice for prescribing under section 29 – BPAC website(external link)(external link)
Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)(external link)
What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)
Key dates
1 September – Colestyramine is listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule
Late September – There is currently about four weeks of Colestid in the New Zealand supply chain. With normal usage patterns, stock of Colestid is expected to run out in mid-late September 2023.
TBC – The Supplier of Colestyramine has applied to Medsafe for provisional registration. Until this is approved Colestyramine will need to prescribed under Section 29 authority.