Isoniazid (PSM) Tab 100 mg: Supply issue

Affected product

The supplier expects stock of the PSM isoniazid tablets to last until late September or early October 2024. 

• Chemical: Isoniazid
• Presentation: Tab 100 mg
• Brand: PSM
• Pharmacode: 267473
• Subsidy: $23.00
• Measure / Qty: per 100

Alternative product

To ensure people can continue to access treatment we listed an alternative product from 1 September. It is not Medsafe approved and will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicine Act. It will be available before the PSM brand isoniazid stock runs out.

• Chemical: Isoniazid
• Presentation: Tab 100 mg
• Brand: Isoniazid Teva
• Pharmacode: 2689294
• Subsidy: $94.50
• Measure / Qty: per 100

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)

Expected resupply

We are working with the supplier to understand when the PSM brand isoniazid will be available again.

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.

Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)