Hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid products) 0.1%: Supply issue

Affected products

Supply status for the Locoid products:  

Chemical: Hydrocortisone butyrate

Schedule listing for hydrocortisone butyrate(external link)

We know it can be frustrating when your medicine isn't available. We're sorry for any inconvenience this supply issue causes.

People who use Locoid products

The Locoid product you were prescribed may not be available. There are three types of Locoid products cream, ointment, and milky emulsion, these will all have different availability in your pharmacy at different times. You will need to talk to your prescriber about if one of these products or a different corticosteroid skin product would be suitable for you. 

Alternative products

Locoid cream, ointment, and milky emulsion all contain the same active ingredient (hydrocortisone butyrate). While there is some availability of the milky emulsion there is not enough to replace all the use of the cream and ointment.

We ask prescribers to work closely with your community pharmacies to ensure people get what is available and to consider prescribing other topical corticosteroids until this supply issue is resolved.

Topical corticosteroid preparation potencies | NZ Formulary(external link)

Scalp application

There are other funded treatments. Prescribers are best placed to advise on a suitable alternative. 

Schedule listings for other scalp applications(external link)

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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