Olsalazine 250 mg capsule and 500 mg tablet (Dipentum): Supply issue

Supply issue Active

There is a long-term out of stock of the Dipentum brand olsalazine 250 mg capsules and 500 mg tablets.

Affected products

The registered brand (Dipentum) has been out of stock since 2021. The listed alternative, Atnahs Olsalazine, is available from the supplier. 

Brand: Dipentum

  • Presentation: Tab 500 mg
  • Pharmacode: 426342
  • Subsidy: $93.37
  • Measure / Qty: per 100

  • Presentation: Cap 250 mg
  • Pharmacode: 588679
  • Subsidy: $53.00
  • Measure / Qty: per 100

Alternative olsalazine

  • Presentation: Tab 500 mg
  • Brand: Atnahs Olsalazine
  • Unapproved medicine supplied under section 29
  • Pharmacode: 2641704 
  • Subsidy: $56.02
  • Measure / Qty: per 60

Alternative to olsalazine

We have received clinical advice that other funded products are available. We ask prescribers to check the Online Schedule for suitable funded alternative.

We acknowledge the issues that changing medicine can create for people. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. We're working with the supplier to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

Rectal and Colonic Anti-inflammatories in the Schedule(external link)

Aminosalicylates in the New Zealand Formulary(external link)

We note there is also a supply issue affecting the 800 mg strength of mesalazine 

Pharmac cannot offer advice on anyone's individual clinical circumstances. These links provide information to support clinical decisions. 

Expected resupply

We do not as yet have a resupply date for either presentation of the Dipentum brand.

Who to contact

If you have any questions about this supply issue, contact Clinect info@clinect.com.au

If you have any funding enquiries, 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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