Fluticasone (Flixotide Accuhaler) 50 mcg: Supply issue

Affected product

The supplier is out of stock of the following:

• Chemical: Fluticasone
• Presentation: Powder for inhalation, 50 mcg per dose
• Brand: Flixotide Accuhaler
• Pharmacode: 402958

Schedule listing for fluticasone(external link)

This supply issue does not affect other strengths or presentations of fluticasone.

Alternatives

We have received clinical advice that the following may be suitable alternatives. We're sorry, we know having to change treatment because of a supply issue can be disruptive. Pharmac and suppliers work hard to avoid supply issues but we could not avoid it in this instance.

Fluticasone

The metered-dose inhaler (MDI) Flixotide may be an alternative for some people. 

• Chemical: Fluticasone    
• Presentation: Aerosol inhaler, 50 mcg per dose
• Brand: Flixotide
• Pharmacode: 2004887

Please consider providing a spacer with this product.

Budesonide

Prescribers could also consider:

• Chemical: Budesonide    
• Presentation: Powder for inhalation, 100 mcg per dose
• Brand: Pulmicort Turbuhaler
• Pharmacode: 682128

Inhaler identification chart from Respiratory Foundation NZ [PDF](external link) 

For people over 12 years old

For those over 12 years old, consider prescribing Symbicort.

Schedule listings for Symbicort(external link)

Asthma Foundation treatment guidance for people over 12 years old(external link)

Expected resupply late September 2025

The supplier expects the next shipment to arrive by the end of September. It may be another 1 to 2 weeks after that before the inhalers are available at pharmacies 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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