Imiquimod (Padagis): Supply issue

Supply issue Section 29A Middle East conflict Active

There have been delays to getting the latest shipment of imiquimod to New Zealand because of the Middle East conflict. The Padagis brand imiquimod is made in Israel.

Affected product

The conflict in the Middle East has delayed the next shipment of Padagis brand imiquimod.

Chemical: Imiquimod

  • Presentation: Crm 5%, 250 mg sachet
  • Brand: Padagis
  • Pharmacode: 2715775 
  • Subsidy: $21.72
  • Measure / Qty: per 24

Schedule listings for imiquimod(external link)

The Aldara cream package is a different shape to the Padagis stick. You still tear the package to access the cream..

Alternative product

Pharmac has sourced and funded Aldara cream 5% sachets so people can continue to access treatment. The Aldara brand has the same active ingredient in the same quantity. 

Aldara brand comes in a box of 12 sachets rather than 24. 

The Aldara brand is usually supplied in Australia and is approved for use in Australia. This product has not been reviewed by Medsafe. This means Aldara is not registered in New Zealand. Pharmacists and prescribers have extra steps to follow to make sure people getting Aldara brand understand what this means.

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

Information for pharmacists

Aldara was listed 13 April 2026. It should be available from wholesalers by the end of April 2026. It is not Medsafe registered. It needs to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A of the Medicines Act.

This listing will not appear in the Online Schedule until it is updated for 1 May 2026

  • RxOne users, ScriptSense users, and TONIQ users: the changes automatically updated from the effective date. 

Please note that the Sector Operations Group will be able to process these claims in April 2026 in the normal claim cycle. 

Listing details

  • Presentation: Crm 5%, 250 mg sachet
  • Brand: Aldara S29
  • Pharmacode:  2728087
  • Subsidy: $34.50
  • Measure / Qty: per 12
  • Section 29 and wastage apply

Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine for a supply issue

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. 

Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 and 29A medicines – Medsafe website (external link)

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

Expected resupply

We are working closely with the supplier and will update this webpage once more information is known. 

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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