Laxatives: Supply issues resolved

Affected products

There are known supply issues with a number of laxatives, including Laxsol (docusate sodium with sennosides). This is having a knock on effect with other funded laxatives. We are working closely with all suppliers concerned to speed up freight to Aotearoa where possible.

Please order normally. This allows the available product to be distributed as fairly as possible.  

Dulcolax SP Drop Supply issue resolved

There was a brief out of stock of Dulcolax SP Drops. This issue is now resolved. 

Laxsol: Monitoring

The Laxsol supply issue was caused by a lack some of the raw materials used to make the product. 

Shipments are being released as they arrive. Backorders have been cleared. 

We're working closely with the supplier to understand when Laxsol supplies will return to normal. Both the supplier and Pharmac are aware of the critical nature of this product.

Medicine notice: Laxsol

Docusate sodium (Coloxyl) 50 mg tablets: Issue resolved

Supplies of both presentations of Coloxyl have returned to normal – 50 mg (252832) and 120 mg (252859). 

Konsyl-D and psyllium husk: Issue resolved

Konsyl-D (pharmacode 2358727) is back in stock. Psyllium husk (pharmacode 2628066) is no longer being supplied and will be delisted in due course. 

Medicine notice: Konsyl-D

Senna (Senokot): Issue resolved

Due to high demand, driven by shortages of other products, senna was out of stock late 2022/early 2023. The supply issue is now resolved.

Sodium citrate with sodium lauryl sulphoacetate (Micolette) enema: Resolved

Registered stock of Micolette is available again under pharmacode 2262673. The s29 listing will be removed in due course to allow time for the product to claimed.

This is a global issue

These supply challenges are not unique to Aotearoa or to healthcare – they are being felt across the world and across almost every sector. We know it can be tough, with everyone facing disruptions due to the supply chain. It’s especially difficult when it is unexpected.

We want to reassure New Zealanders that Pharmac is working as hard as possible to ensure everyone has access to the medicines and devices they need to support their health and wellbeing.