Cardinol LA 160 mg is changing brand to Propranolol LA Lupin

Brand change Discontinuation Active

The supplier has discontinued Cardinol LA 160 mg capsules. Pharmac has secured an alternative funded brand, Propranolol Lupin (S29)

Same medicine with the same active ingredient 

Copilot said: Medication label for Lupin-Propranolol LA 160 mg extended-release capsules (propranolol hydrochloride). Includes dosage and storage instructions, Lupin Pharma Canada details, barcode, package dimensions, and English/French text..
Example of the Propranolol Lupin (S29) 160 mg label. Image not shown to scale.

Propranolol Lupin (S29) has the same active ingredient, with the same amount, as Cardinol LA. You should not notice any difference in how it works. Please see your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any issues. The packaging for Propranolol Lupin (S29) is labelled with both English and French text.

Propranolol Lupin (S29)

The new brand, Propranolol Lupin (S29) long-acting 160 mg capsules, will be listed (funded) from 1 August 2026. 

Chemical: Propranolol hydrochloride
Brand: Propranolol Lupin (S29)
Pharmacode: 2734214
Subsidy: $35.15
Measure / Qty: per 100

Schedule listing for Propranolol Lupin (S29)(external link)

When is this happening

You will notice your brand will change sometime after 1 August 2026. 

Why is this happening?

The supplier, Viatris, has discontinued Cardinol LA 160 mg capsules (Pharmacode: 326070) in New Zealand and will stop supplying at the end of July 2026. To make sure people can continue to access this medicine, Pharmac has secured an alternative funded brand, Propranolol Lupin (S29) long-acting 160 mg capsules.

We know changing brands can be difficult and disruptive. We're sorry for any inconvenience this causes. 

Medicine not Medsafe reviewed 

This medicine has not been reviewed by Medsafe for use in New Zealand. However, it has been approved for use in other countries. Your prescriber will discuss this with you before they prescribe it. You can read more information about unapproved medicine on the Healthify website. 

Unapproved medicines | Healthify.nz(external link) 

Information for health care providers

From 1 August 2026 stat dispensing will be removed from propranolol LA cap 160 mg. Monthly dispensing will help to preserve stock until the supply chain is stable.

The alternate brand is not a Medsafe approved product and should be prescribed and supplied in line with Section 29A of the Medicines Act.

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Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine 

Section 29A of the Medicines Act 1981 allows for medicines that are not Medsafe approved to be prescribed and supplied to people when there is supply issue affecting the registered brand.  

We know supplying an unapproved medicine is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow people to continue to access an appropriate treatment.  

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.  

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

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

Who to contact

If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

If you are a health care provider, please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, Pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.

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