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

Affected product

Sanofi advised Pharmac in 2023 that it intended to discontinue its Pentacarinat brand. The 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 was listed from 1 December 2025. It is not Medsafe approved and, as such, needs to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A 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 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 patients to be able to access an appropriate treatment. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

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 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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Pharmac is a government agency. We do not sell medicines or related products.