Kisqali (ribociclib): Storage changes
The maker of Kisqali will be updating the instructions on how to store Kisqali.
Keep refrigerated between 2 to 8 degrees
During April 2025, Novartis began distributing Kisqali with new storage instructions. These included keeping Kisqali refrigerated between 2 and 8 degrees.
Always follow the storage instructions on the box.
Current stock of Kisqali is safe and effective
Kisqali that was kept at room temperature remains as effective as the new refrigerated stock. Follow the directions on the carton for storage.
Nothing has changed about the medicine. The only change is to the instructions on storing it.
What’s changing?
The storage conditions and shelf-life have been updated to ensure the quality of the product throughout its shelf-life. The new storage instructions particularly relate to the early breast cancer indication. Novartis, however, is updating the storage instructions for both indications.
The batches with new storage instructions will have new Pharmacodes. These codes are listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 April 2025.
Novartis will start shipping the stock that needs refrigerating during April 2025.
|
Medicine |
Pack size |
Old Pharmacode |
New Pharmacode |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kisqali 200mg |
21 tab |
2678772 |
2701340 |
|
Kisqali 200mg |
42 tab |
2678780 |
2701359 |
|
Kisqali 200mg |
63 tab |
2678799 |
2701367 |
Pharmacists
We understand that Novartis has written to you. We have prepared a flier for people who need to change how they store Kisqali.
- Kisqali Storage conditions change Apr 2025 [PDF 59 KB]
The manufacturer asks that everyone uses up the current stock of Kisqali before ordering the stock with the new storage instructions.
Pharmac will not delist the current stock until 1 December 2025. This allows time for pharmacies to claim.
Kisqali only funded for advanced breast cancer
Currently, Kisqali is only funded for advanced breast cancer. Pharmac received an application to fund it for early-stage breast cancer in December 2024. We are currently seeking clinical advice on the application.
Follow the progress of this application on Pharmac’s Application Tracker.
Application to fund Kisqali for early stage breast cancer | Application Tracker(external link)
Who to contact
If you take Kisqali, your pharmacist is the best person to give you advice on these changes to the storage of your medicine.
Pharmacists and wholesalers, if you have questions about storing or transporting Kisqali, please contact Novartis.