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

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)

Expected resupply 

Stock of the registered product has been released from quarantine. The supplier aims to have it out to wholesalers in the week beginning 27 October 2025 (after Labour Day). It can take another 1 to 2 weeks before stock of the registered product reaches pharmacies around New Zealand Aotearoa.

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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