Olanzapine tablets (all strengths): Supply issue
Due to issues at the manufacturing plant, the supplier ran out of olanzapine (Zypine) tablets.
6 November 2026 | Apo-Olanzapine supply limited
Unfortunately, due to issues during shipping, the latest shipment of Apo-Olanzapine could not be released. There is currently limited stock within the supply chain.
The supplier is working with wholesalers to try to distribute the remaining stock more evenly.
Another shipment is expected on 9 November. The supplier will get this expedited to release. A further shipment is expected before the end of November.
Affected product
Due to an issue at the manufacturing site, there is a supply issue affecting all strengths of Zypine branded olanzapine tablets, 2.5mg (Pharmacode: 2651076), 5mg (Pharmacode: 2651084), and 10mg (Pharmacode: 2651092).
A similar issue is also affecting the Zypine brand orodispersible tablets.
Community Schedule Listing for olanzapine(external link)
HML Schedule Listing for olanzapine(external link)
People who take olanzapine tablets
To make sure you can continue to access your treatment, we funded APO-Olanzapine brand of olanzapine available.
You may notice that the Apo-Olanzapine tablet is a light yellow, with different marks etched into it, where Zypine is white.
Same active ingredient, in the same amount
Apo-Olanzapine contains the same active ingredient (olanzapine) in the same amount as Zypine, the brand you usually take. Apo-Olanzapine is designed to work in your body the same way as Zypine.
Medicine not Medsafe reviewed
This medicine has not been reviewed by Medsafe for use in New Zealand. However, it has been approved for use in other countries. Your prescriber will discuss this with you before they prescribe it. You can read more information about unapproved medicine on the Healthify website.
Unapproved medicines | Healthify.nz(external link)
Alternative brand funded 1 September
From 1 September 2026, Pharmac funded an alternate brand, APO-Olanzapine.
APO-Olanzapine is not Medsafe approved. It needs to be prescribed and supplied in line with Section 29A of the Medicines Act.
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 when there is supply issue affecting the registered brand.
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)
Expected resupply 2027
Viatris, the supplier of Zypine, expects stock to be available again in 2027.
Patient flyers
- 2.5 mg olanzapine tablet supply issue flyer [PDF 163 KB]
- 5 mg olanzapine tablet supply issue flyer [PDF 173 KB]
- 10 mg olanzapine tablet supply issue flyer [PDF 163 KB]
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)