Letrozole (Letrole) Tab 2.5 mg: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

There is a supply issue affecting letrozole 2.5 mg tablets (Pharmacode: 2656655), the supplier advises there is limited stock in the supply chain and expects this to be depleted at the beginning of March 2025.

Affected product

Supply is 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 has found an alternative product, Accord Letrozole (Pharmacode 2699923). It will be 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)

Expected resupply

The supplier expects stock to be resupplied in early April 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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