Calcitonin (Miacalcic) Inj 100 iu per ml, 1 ml ampoule: Supply issue

Affected product

Chiesi, the supplier, has run out of the following product:

Calcitonin

• Presentation: Inj 100 iu per ml, 1 ml ampoule
• Brand: Miacalcic
• Pharmacode: 2548356 
• Subsidy: $121.00
• Measure / Qty: per 5

Schedule listing for calcitonin(external link)

Alternative product

Chiesi has sourced an alternative product. It is made in the same factory as the registered brand. However, there are some differences to the packaging, artwork and shelf-life. In particular, it calls the active ingredient, “Salmo-calcitonin. synth". It is still the same active ingredient.

It is not Medsafe approved and will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. It is funded from 1 July 2025.

• Presentation: Inj 100 iu per ml, 1 ml ampoule
• Brand: Miacalcic S29
• Pharmacode: 2709317 
• Subsidy: $121.00
• Measure / Qty: per 5

Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine

Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 allows for medicines that are not Medsafe approved to be prescribed and supplied to people. The medicine must be prescribed by someone registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand – such as, a doctor. 

We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow patients to be able to access an appropriate treatment. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

Advice for prescribing under section 29 – BPAC website(external link) 

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

Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)

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

Resupply date to be confirmed

We are working with the supplier to understand when the registered product will be available again.

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.

Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)