Pentamidine isethionate (Pentacarinat) inj 300mg vial: Hospital supply issue

Supply issue Hospital only Active

Sanofi, the supplier of Pentacarinat injections (Pharmacode 471933), is discontinuing this brand.

Affected product

Sanofi advised Pharmac in 2023 that it intended to discontinue its Pentacarinat brand. The stock was expected to last until February 2026, however Sanofi has advised its stock has now been depleted.

Pentamidine isethionate

  • Presentation: Inj 300 mg vial
  • Brand: Pentacarinat
  • Pharmacode: 471933
  • Price: $216.00
  • Measure / Qty: per 5

HML Listing for pentamidine isethionate(external link)

Alternative product

We have arranged for Medsurge to supply an alternative until long-term supply can be resolved. This product will be listed from 1 December 2025. It is not Medsafe approved and, as such, needs to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.

  • Brand: Tillomed
  • Formulation: Inj 300 mg vial
  • Pharmacode: 2717328
  • Price: $638.69
  • 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)

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

Expected resolution

Pentamidine isethionate is in our recent 2025/26 invitation to tender, Pharmac is seeking a registered brand of Pentamidine isethionate for long term supply.

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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