Sodium Fusidate [fusidic acid] (Fucithalmic) Eye drops 1%: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

Due to changes at the manufacturing plant, AFT (the supplier) advises that it has no stock of Fucithalmic eye drops (Pharmacode: 716634)

22 January 2025 | Update

A second alternative was listed from 1 January 2025. It will be available once the Thai-labelled product runs out.

We have created a second flier to support discussions with patients about having another alternative.

[Reviewed and remains accurate as at 13 February 2025]

Affected product

Due to changes at the manufacturing plant, AFT (the supplier) advises that it has no stock of Fucithalmic eye drops (Pharmacode: 716634).

Alternative products

We listed an alternative from 1 January 2025. It will be available once the Thai-labelled alternative runs out.

  • Chemical: Sodium fusidate [fusidic acid]
  • Presentation: Eye drops 1% 
  • Brand name: Fucithalmic S29
  • Pharmacode: 2697572
  • Subsidy: $5.29
  • Measure/Qty: per 5 g OP 

This product is not Medsafe approved and will have to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. 

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)

Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)

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

Thailand-labelled alternative

AFT has been supplying some of its product that is labelled for Thailand. 

This was the same product, made in the same place as the current Fucithalmic eye drops. Medsafe had reviewed the product and approved it for sale in New Zealand. The only difference from your usual eye drops was the label.

For pharmacists

We have prepared a flyers to support conversations with people affected by these changes. 

Resupply expected late 2025

AFT expects to have stock labelled for New Zealand available again later in 2025.

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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