Varenicline (Champix): Supply issue
Pfizer have paused distribution of all brands of varenicline.
Update: 14 June 2024
Pfizer, the supplier of varenicline, has advised it has made some progress towards bringing varenicline back to New Zealand. It has started the regulatory approval process with Medsafe. At this stage Pfizer estimates a product may be in New Zealand by the end of March 2025.
Affected product
The out of stock affects all presentations and brands of varenicline. Pfizer have paused distribution due to impurity concerns with their manufacturing.
Pfizer are investigating the exact cause of the issue.
What you can do
People who take varenicline
If you have any varenicline, Pfizer have advised that any product currently in the market is safe.
Prescribers
Please do not prescribe varenicline until it is back in stock.
Pharmacists
People will not be able to fill any repeats that they have. You will need to direct people back to their prescribers to discuss treatment options.
Alternative product
There are other funded products to support people to stop smoking.
Nicotine patches, gum or lozenges(external link)
Buproprion tablets (Zyban)(external link)
Expected resupply date
At this stage Pfizer estimates a product may be in New Zealand by the end of March 2025.
Background
In April 2021, Pfizer advised there would be a shortage of the Varenicline Pfizer brand. To cover the out of stock, Pharmac previously listed Pfizer's Champix brand.
Following that Pfizer notified us of a supply interruption to both brands of varenicline. Pfizer have told us that this is a global issue.
Who to contact
If you have questions about this out of stock, contact Pfizer
- medicalaffairs.anz@pfizer.com
- 0800 736 363
If you have questions about the Special Authority, contact enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz