Ezetimibe with simvastatin (Zimybe) 10/40 mg: Supply issue
Due to issues at the factory, a supply issue is affecting the 10/40 mg of ezetimibe with simvastatin (Pharmacode: 2470705).
Affected product
Viatris, the supplier, is experiencing issues at one of its factories. This has led to a supply issue affecting the following product.
Chemical: Ezetimibe with simvastatin
- Presentation: Tab ezetimibe 10 mg with simvastatin 40 mg
- Brand: Zimybe
- Pharmacode: 2470705
- Subsidy: $11.55
- Measure / Qty: per 30
Stock of other presentations of ezetimibe with simvastatin remains available.
Schedule listing for ezetimibe with simvastatin(external link)
Alternative 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 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.
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