Pregabalin: Your brand is changing to Lyrica
From July 2025, your brand will change from Pregabalin Pfizer to Lyrica.
On this page
What's changing?
Pregabalin Pfizer capsules will be replaced with Lyrica capsules (the original brand of this medicine) when stock of the Pfizer capsules run out. This is the same formulation, less one printing ink.
Lyrica is made at a different factory. This change helps make sure pregabalin remains available in New Zealand.
What's the same?
The new Lyrica capsules will look the same as Pregabalin Pfizer capsules, apart from removal of the word ‘Pfizer’. Lyrica has the same active and inactive ingredients in the same quantities as Pregabalin Pfizer. It will work in your body the same way.
You may be familiar with the Lyrica brand if you have been taking pregabalin for a while. Lyrica has been the funded brand before.
The capsule size and colour will remain the same.
Medsafe approved
The Lyrica capsules have the same formulation inside the capsule, the only change is to the printing on the outside. Medsafe has reviewed the changes and found that the Lyrica brand meets standards New Zealand standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Data sheet for Lyrica | Medsafe website [PDF](external link)
Information for pharmacists
The change from Pfizer to Lyrica will happen between July and October 2025. The price and quantity per box will remain the same as the Pfizer brand.
| Strength | Pfizer Pharmacode | Lyrica Pharmacode | Expected transition date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mg | 2534053 | 2704498 | October 2025 |
| 75 mg | 2534088 | 2704501 | September 2025 |
| 150 mg | 2534096 | 2704528 | August 2025 |
| 300 mg | 2534118 | 2704536 | July 2025 |
We have created a flier to support conversations with people affected by the change. Please reassure them that the formulation inside the capsules remains the same. The changes refer to the outside of the capsule.
- Pregabalin brand change - 2025 (2-page flier A5) [PDF 711 KB]
Who to contact
If you take pregabalin and have any questions, we recommend you first talk to a health care professional you trust, such as your pharmacist or doctor.
If you experience any issues with your medicine, you can contact Aspen (the supplier)(external link)
If you have any questions about the supply or funding of this product, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, Pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.
Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)