Diltiazem hydrochloride (Diltiazem CD Clinect) Cap long-acting 120 mg: Supply issue

Temporary monthly dispensing 

From 1 December 2024, this product will change from all-at-once (stat) to monthly dispensing. There has been a delay to the next shipment of Diltiazem CD Clinect long-acting capsules 120 mg. 

We have made this change so people can continue to access this product. 

• Chemical: Diltiazem hydrochloride
• Presentation: Cap long-acting 120 mg
• Brand: Diltiazem CD Clinect
• Pharmacode: 2648172
• Subsidy: $65.35
• Measure / Qty: per 500

Other diltiazem brands and strengths are not affected. 

Schedule listing for diltiazem(external link)

People who take diltiazem

You may get diltiazem capsules that have a 31 January 2025 expiry date. These capsules remain safe and effective to use. Talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions about this

You will not have to pay more to collect your medicine monthly. If you need to pay the co-payment (usually $5), you will pay it when you pick up your first monthly lot of diltiazem.  

We're sorry

Changing how you pick up your medicine can be disruptive. We have made this change to make sure you can continue to access your treatment.

Information for pharmacists

The Schedule will be updated with this change from 1 December 2024. Clinect, the supplier, has written to you about this issue. 

Copy of letter from Clinect to pharmacies [PDF, 236 KB]

We have developed a flier to support conversations with your patients. 

If you have an exceptional individual case where the May 2026 stock is needed immediately, you can contact your wholesaler.  

Returning expired stock

Pharmacies with remaining stock, including part containers, of January 2025 stock that was purchased 
after August 2024 onwards, can return remaining stock to their wholesalers for a credit by 14 February 2025. 

We appreciate you

Thank you. We know that supply issues can create additional work and stress. We appreciate you and the time you spend making sure people can continue to access their medicines. 

Expected resupply

The next shipment is expected mid-January 2025. It may take one to two weeks for that stock to make its way around the country to pharmacies. Once stock returns to normal, we will return the dispensing to all-at-once (stat). 

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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