Itraconazole (Itrazole) cap 100 mg: Supply issue

Affected product

Viatris, the supplier, advises that there is an issue at one of its manufacturing plants which has delayed the next delivery of itraconazole 100 mg capsules. Viatris expects to run out of stock in February 2025.

Itraconazole

• Brand: Itrazole
• Presentation: Cap 100 mg
• Pharmacode: 2354322
• Subsidy: $6.83
• Measure / Qty: per 15

Note there is also a brand change for the itraconazole oral liquid

Alternative product

Viatris will be providing its "Itracap" brand of itraconazole until Itrazole is available again. This product will be listed from 1 February 2025. It is also supplied as a 60 pack (while the currently listed product comes in a 15 pack). 

• Brand: Itracap
• Presentation: Cap 100 mg
• Pharmacode: 2698560
• Subsidy: $27.32
• Measure / Qty: per 60

This product is made by Viatris, but is not Medsafe-registered. It will have to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. 

We have prepared a flier to support pharmacists' conversations with affected 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 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 

Viatris expects to be out of stock of the registered product from February 2025. Resupply is expected in May 2025. 

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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