Condyline (podophyllotoxin): Supply issue

Affected product

AFT advises that its most recent shipment of Condyline can't be released because of temperature fluctuations during shipping. 

• Chemical: Podophyllotoxin
• Presentation: Soln 0.5%
• Brand: Condyline
• Pharmacode: 701610
• Subsidy: $33.60
• Measure / Qty: per 3.5 ml OP

Schedule listing for Condyline(external link)

Alternative product

The supplier has found an alternative. It is exactly the same product but is labelled in French. It is listed in the Schedule from 1 October 2025 and will be available by late October 2025. There may be a brief period where Condyline is not available.

Where Condyline is unavailable

During October, there may be a time when neither Condyline product is available. We have received clinical advice that imiquimod cream (Pharmacode: 2543907) may be a suitable alternative. People would need a new prescription to access this treatment. 

Imiquimod cream | NZ Formulary monograph(external link)

Schedule listing for imiquimod cream(external link)

French Condyline

AFT will overlabel one panel of the box with English, but the other panels and bottle will remain in French. Pharmacists, please consider over labelling the bottle with the pharmacy generated label.

• Chemical: Podophyllotoxin
• Presentation: Soln 0.5%
• Brand: Condyline S29
• Pharmacode: 2714205
• Subsidy: $33.60
• Measure / Qty: per 3.5 ml OP
• Section 29 

The chemical name appears differently in French, podophyllotoxine, instead of podophyllotoxin.

English Patient information leaflet Medsafe website [PDF](external link)

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)

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

Expected resupply January 2026

The manufacturer cannot begin production of the New Zealand product until December 2025. The supplier expects it to be available in New Zealand again in January 2026.

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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