Hydrocortisone powder: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

There is a supply issue affecting hydrocortisone powder (Pharmacode: 2322420).

27 June 2025 | Delivery arrived 

A shipment of the hydrocortisone powder was released in May. However, due to significant back orders, the supplier is out of stock again. Another shipment has arrived and is awaiting release. There should be ample stock in the supply chain until that shipment is available.

Affected product

Due to an issue with a recent batch, there is a supply issue with:

Chemical: Hydrocortisone

  • Presentation: Powder 
  • Brand: ABM
  • Pharmacode: 2322420
  • Subsidy: $49.95
  • Measure / Qty: per 25 g

Alternative products

People may need to go back to the person who prescribed the hydrocortisone to discuss potential alternatives. 

Hydrocortisone cream 1% 30g (Pharmacode 2646587) and 500g (Pharmacode 2645580) remain available. 

Hydrocortisone (topical) | NZ Formulary(external link)

Hydrocortisone in the Community Schedule(external link)

Flier to support conversations with people affected

Shipment arrived late June 2025

The shipment has arrived and stocks have run out again. We are working with the supplier to understand when the next delivery will arrive.

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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