Hydrocortisone powder: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

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

21 May 2025 | Resupply delayed 

The supplier expects to start releasing stock to wholesalers by late May 2025. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the motu.

Affected product

Due to an issue with the most 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

Expected resupply late June 2025

The supplier expects to start releasing stock to wholesalers by late June 2025. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the motu.

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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