Ezetimibe with simvastatin (Zimybe) 10/40 mg and 10/80 mg: Supply issue
Due to issues at the factory, a supply issue is affecting the 10/40 mg (Pharmacode: 2470705) and 10/80 mg (Pharmacode: 2725622) of ezetimibe with simvastatin.
Update 14 May 2026 | 10/80 mg now affected
The 10/80 mg presentation of Zimybe is now affected by this supply issue. An alternative will be funded from 1 June 2026. It will be available to order from Viatris (the supplier) by late May 2026.
Affected product
Viatris, the supplier, is experiencing issues at one of its factories. This has led to a supply issue affecting the following products:
Chemical: Ezetimibe with simvastatin
- Presentation: Tab ezetimibe 10 mg with simvastatin 40 mg
- Brand: Zimybe
- Pharmacode: 2470705
- Subsidy: $11.55
- Measure / Qty: per 30
- Presentation: Tab ezetimibe 10 mg with simvastatin 80 mg
- Brand: Zimybe
- Pharmacode: 2725622
- Subsidy: $14.87
- Measure / Qty: per 30
Other presentations of ezetimibe with simvastatin remain available.
Schedule listing for ezetimibe with simvastatin(external link)
Information for people who take Zimybe
Your pharmacist may need to dispense a different brand of your usual medicine. Vytorin is a temporary alternative while your usual Zimybe is unavailable.
Vytorin contains the same amount of the active ingredients as your usual brand. It is designed to work in your body the same way.
You may recognise Vytorin, we have previously funded this brand.
While this medicine has not been approved for use in New Zealand, it has been approved for use in other countries, like Australia. Your prescriber will discuss this with you before they prescribe it.
You can learn more about unapproved medicines on the Healthify website
Alternative 10/80 mg funded from 1 June 2026
The following product will be listed from 1 June 2026. It is not Medsafe approved and will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A of the Medicines Act.
- Presentation: Tab ezetimibe 10 mg with simvastatin 80 mg
- Brand: Vytorin
- Pharmacode: 2727730
- Subsidy: $14.87
- Measure / Qty: per 30
Alternative 10/40 mg funded from 1 May 2026
Viatris has sourced an alternative brand from another supplier, Organon. This brand has previously been funded in New Zealand so may be familiar. It is not currently Medsafe approved. It will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A of the Medicines Act.
- Brand: Vytorin
- Pharmacode: 2727722
- Subsidy: $11.55
- Measure / Qty: per 30
As another alternative, Pharmac funds ezetimibe and simvastatin separately. However, people who pay co-payments, will have to pay two co-payments.
Information for people who take Zimybe
The packaging and tablets for the Vytorin brand may look different, but they contain the same amount of active ingredients and are expected to work the same way in your body.
You may have taken this brand before, it was the funded in New Zealand about 10 years ago.
This product is approved for use in Australia. However, it is not currently approved by Medsafe for New Zealand. This means your doctor and pharmacist have extra steps they need to follow to make sure you understand what it means to be taking a medicine that isn't approved in New Zealand.
More information about unapproved medicines | Healthify NZ(external link)
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.
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.
- Unapproved Medicine flier A5 [PDF 131 KB]
Expected resupply
We are working closely with the supplier to understand when Zimybe 10/40 mg and 10/80mg will be available again.
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.
Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)