Betamethasone valerate (Beta Scalp): Supply issue resolved

There was limited supply of betamethasone valerate (Beta Scalp) (Pharmacode: 512877).

8 May 2025 | Stock has arrived

A large shipment of Beta Scalp has arrived and released to wholesalers. It may take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the motu. Further shipments are expected in June. 

Affected product

Due to shipping delays, there was an out of stock of Beta Scalp.

  • Chemical: Betamethasone valerate
  • Presentation: Scalp app 0.1%
  • Brand: Beta Scalp
  • Pharmacode: 512877
  • Subsidy: $12.95
  • Measure / Qty: per 100 ml OP

Schedule listing for Beta Scalp(external link)

What this means for people prescribed Beta Scalp

While the stock has arrived. It can take time to reach pharmacies around the motu. 

Your pharmacy may not have stock of Beta Scalp to fill your prescription. You may need to go back to the person who prescribed the Beta Scalp and get a prescription for a different product.

Alternative products

There are a number of other funded treatments, including other presentations of the same chemical or other scalp applications. Prescribers are best placed to advise on a suitable alternative. 

Schedule listings for other scalp applications(external link)

There are supply issues affecting related products.

Hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid) Scalp application

Flier for pharmacists

Resupplied May 2025

A shipment has arrived and been released to wholesalers. Two more shipments are expected in June 2025.

Who to contact

If you have questions about funding for Beta Scalp or other alternative products, 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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