Alfacalcidol (One-Alpha) cap 0.25 mcg: Supply issue resolved

Due to shipping delays, Alfacalcidol (One-Alpha) cap 0.25 mcg was out of stock (Pharmacode 203084)

6 December 2024 | Update

The delayed shipment has arrived and is available to order again. It may take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the motu.

Affected product

Due to a shipping delay, Link (the supplier) was out of stock of: 

  • Chemical: Alfacalcidol
  • Presentation: Cap 0.25 mcg
  • Brand: One-Alpha
  • Pharmacode: 203084
  • Subsidy: $26.32
  • Measure / Qty: per 100

Schedule listing for alfacalcidol(external link)

The 1 mcg and oral drops presentations are not affected by this supply issue.

Alternative product

Where possible, we ask that people use the 1 mcg capsules or 2 mcg oral liquid. There is a small amount of an alternative brand available. It is not Medsafe registered. 

  • Chemical: Alfacalcidol
  • Presentation: Cap 0.25 mcg
  • Pharmacode: 2677954
  • Subsidy: $26.32
  • Measure / Qty: per 100
  • List date: 11 April 2024

The alternative product is supplied under Section 29, wastage rules apply.

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)(external link) 

Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 medicines – Medsafe website (external link)(external link)

Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)(external link)

What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)

Resupplied early December 2024 

The shipment has arrived and is available to order. 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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