Quetiapine (Quetapel) 25 mg tablet: Supply issue

Last Updated: 10 April 2025

Supply issue Active

Next shipment has been delayed of quetiapine 25 mg tablets (Quetapel | Pharmacode: 2476266).

10 April 2025 Update

Previously, we stated that the section 29 brand of quetiapine 25mg tablets was made by the same factory.

We have been made aware that this brand of quetiapine, while supplied by Viatris, is made at a different factory, and may look different than the New Zealand approved product.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused

Affected product

Because of a shipping delay, the supplier is out of stock of the following product.

Chemical: Quetiapine
Presentation: Tab 25 mg
Brand: Quetapel
Pharmacode: 2476266
Subsidy: $2.36
Measure / Qty: per 90

Other strengths of quetiapine remain unaffected by this supply issue.

Schedule listing for quetiapine(external link)

Alternative product available

Two alternative pack sizes were listed from 1 April 2025.

Same medicine, different look

This quetiapine has the same active ingredients in the same amount. However, the tablets and blister packs will look different.

The blister packs are labelled for people in Japan. Viatris has re-labelled the outside box for New Zealand, but the blister packs have Japanese writing on them.

Brand: Quetiapine Viatris
Presentation: Tab 25 mg

Pharmacode: 2701162
Subsidy: $0.79
Measure / Qty: per 30
wastage applies

Pharmacode: 2701170
Subsidy: $13.11
Measure / Qty: per 500
Wastage applies

Please do not cut the foil strip, this ensures the quetiapine wording remains visible.

Japanese branded quetiapine blister packs use Green for the text and background colour..

Quetiapine supply issue flyer Apr 2025 [PDF 683 KB]

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)