Colifoam (hydrocortisone acetate rectal foam): Supply issue
Hydrocortisone acetate rectal foam (Colifoam) has been out of stock since early 2019. We are advised that resupply is expected by June 2023.
24 February 2023: Resupply updated
Resupply: April 2023
The supplier advises that the Colifoam will likely be available again in April 2023. The product has a new pharmacode (2611120) and has already been listed in the Schedule(external link).
Alternative product: Cortifoam
Mylan have sourced a hydrocortisone product from the US, called Cortifoam (pharmacode 2608707).
This was listed in the Schedule from 1 June 2021.
Cortifoam is not Medsafe-approved. It must be prescribed and supplied under section 29 of the Medicines Act.
Information for medical professionals about section 29 - Medsafe's website(external link)
Information for people taking medicines about section 29 - Health Navigator website(external link)
About Cortifoam
Alternative agent
Clinect had previously sourced an alternative agent, prednisolone sodium – rectal foam 20 mg per dose (brand name: Essential Prednisolone). This was listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule on 1 October 2020.
Find the listing in the Pharmaceutical Schedule(external link)
Essential Prednisolone is not approved for use in New Zealand by Medsafe. It must be supplied under section 29 of the Medicines Act. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
Who to contact
If you have questions about supply of Colifoam or Essential Prednisolone, contact your wholesaler or the product supplier.
You can call Clinect on 0800 138 803
If you have questions about funding, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz