Dipyridamole (Pytazen SR) Tab long-acting 150 mg: Discontinuation

Discontinuation Active

Douglas, the supplier, advises that it can no longer supply this product because of difficulty getting the active ingredient.

Affected product

Douglas, the supplier, advises that it can no longer supply this product because of difficulty getting the active ingredient.

Chemical: Dipyridamole

  • Presentation: Tab long-acting 150 mg
  • Brand: Pytazen SR
  • Pharmacode: 750255
  • Subsidy: $13.93
  • Measure / Qty: per 60

Key dates

May 2024: Douglas advised of the discontinuation

May/June 2025: Supply expected to run out

31 July 2025: All remaining stock of Pytazen SR expires.

People taking Pytazen SR

You will need to talk to the person who prescribed your Pytazen SR about alternative treatments.  

Prescriber action needed

We have not found an alternative to Pytazen SR. You will need to move anyone taking Pytazen SR to an alternative treatment.

We have received clinical advice that people receiving dipyridamole may be able to move to other funded treatments, such as clopidogrel and/or aspirin. 

Aspirin monograph | NZ Formulary(external link)

Clopidogrel monograph | NZ Formulary(external link)

What's Pharmac doing

We have previously sought tenders for the ongoing supply of this product. Unfortunately, we have not had any bids for the on-going supply of dipyridamole. We have also engaged directly with various suppliers to see if dipyridamole could be made available for New Zealand. Unfortunately, these efforts have been unsuccessful, and dipyridamole will no longer be available in New Zealand once remaining stock has been used or expires.

We have removed all-at-once dispensing from the Pytazen SR brand to help preserve the remaining stock.

We have received clinical advice that people receiving dipyridamole may be able to be transitioned to other funded treatments such as clopidogrel and/or aspirin. We encourage clinicians currently treating people with dipyridamole to move them to appropriate alternatives.

We are still considering options for alternative medicines where these may be needed.

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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