Mesalazine 400 mg tablets (Asacol): Supply issue
Chiesi, the supplier, advises of a constraint in the supply of the 400 mg mesalazine tablets (Pharmacode: 241113 and 2536544).
Affected product
Chiesi, the supplier, has reported a supply constraint of 400 mg Asacol tablets. Stock is in the country, but a slow quality assurance process means it is not available in high volumes. Stock of the 800 mg is available.
- Chemical: Mesalazine
- Brand: Asacol
- Pharmacode: 241113 and 2536544
- Subsidy: $49.50
- Measure / Qty: per 100
Schedule listing for mesalazine(external link)
Alternative products
For people taking multiple 400 mg tablets, there are funded options available. Prescribers may need to check Medsafe datasheets for indications and release profiles:
Asacol | Medsafe datasheet [PDF](external link)
Pentasa | Medsafe datasheet [PDF](external link)
NZ Formulary monograph for mesalazine(external link)
Schedule listing for all funded presentations of mesalazine(external link)
Affected people will need to speak with their health care team about these treatment options. A new prescription will be needed.
Pharmac is looking at alternatives to ensure people can continue to access this treatment.
Expected resupply
More stock of the 400 mg tablets is expected to arrive by mid-June 2025. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks for stock to reach pharmacies around the motu. We are working with Chiesi to understand when supply will return to normal.
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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