Montelukast (tab 4 mg): Supply issue
Due to an issue at the factory, Viatris (the supplier) is running low on montelukast 4 mg chewable tablets (Pharmacode: 2643618).
Affected product
Due to issues at the factory, Viatris is running low of the following product.
Chemical: Montelukast
- Presentation: Tab 4 mg (Chewable)
- Brand: Montelukast Viatris
- Pharmacode: 2643618
- Subsidy: $3.10
- Measure / Qty: per 28
Schedule listing for montelukast(external link)
This issue affects the 4 mg tablets,
Stock of montelukast tab 5 mg and 10 mg remains available.
Alternative brand listed 1 September 2026
Pharmac has sourced an alternate brand Montelukast Sandoz tab 4mg, which will be funded and available from 1 September 2026. It has not been approved by Medsafe, as such it will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A of the Medicines Act.
Chemical: Montelukast
- Presentation: Tab 4 mg (Chewable)
- Brand: Montelukast Sandoz
- Pharmacode: 2735954
- Subsidy: $3.10
- Measure / Qty: per 28
People who use montelukast
Pharmac has funded a different brand of the same medicine to make sure you can continue to access this treatment.
We're sorry. We know that supply issues can be disruptive.
What's different?
If you take montelukast or give montelukast to someone else, you may notice the alternate brand tablet is pink instead of white.
What's the same?
The alternate brand has the same amount of active ingredient and is designed to work the same way. The tablet also has the same cherry flavour.
Not Medsafe approved
This brand is supplied and approved for use in Australia. Medsafe has not reviewed this brand for use in New Zealand. This means your doctor and pharmacist have extra steps they have to follow, including explaining what taking an unapproved medicine means.
More about unapproved medicines | Healthify NZ(external link)
Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine
Section 29A of the Medicines Act 1981 allows for medicines that are not Medsafe approved to be prescribed and supplied to people.
We know supplying an unapproved medicine is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow people to continue to access an appropriate treatment.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)
Flyer to support pharmacists' conversations with patients
- Unapproved Medicine flier A5 [PDF 131 KB]
Expected resupply
We are working with Viatris to understand when the Medsafe-approved 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)