Letrozole (Letrole) Tab 2.5 mg: Supply issue resolved

There was a supply issue affecting letrozole 2.5 mg tablets (Pharmacode: 2656655), there an alternative product was supplied.

17 April 2025 Update

Stock of the registered product has arrived and orders sent to wholesalers. It may take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the motu.

Affected product

Supply was limited of the letrozole:

  • Presentation: Tab 2.5 mg
  • Brand: Letrole
  • Pharmacode: 2656655 
  • Subsidy: $4.67
  • Measure / Qty: per 30

Schedule listing for letrozole(external link)

HML listing for letrozole(external link)

Alternative product

The supplier found an alternative product, Accord Letrozole (Pharmacode 2699923). It was listed and funded from 1 March 2025. It is not Medsafe-registered so will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with the Medicines Act.

  • Presentation: Tab 2.5 mg
  • Brand: Accord
  • Pharmacode: 2699923
  • Subsidy: $4.36
  • Measure / Qty: per 28
  • Section 29
Letrozole box is light blue. The words, Letrozole 2.5mg film-coated capsules, appear in a black box. The blister pack has the accord brand name..
Accord branded letrozole

We have prepared a flier for pharmacists to support conversations with people about this supply issue.

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)

Resupplied April 2025

Stock of the registered product arrived in mid-April and orders sent to wholesalers. It may take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the motu.

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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