Pioglitazone (Vexazone) 15 and 30 mg tab: Supply issue
Due to an issue at the manufacturing site, the supplier will run out of Vexazone brand pioglitazone 15 and 30 mg tablets (Pharmacodes: 2479435 and 2479443).
21 October 2026 | Alternative funded from 1 November 2026
To ensure people can continue to access this medicine, we have funded the Pioglitazone Rising brand of tablets. This brand has not been reviewed by Medsafe. It will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A of the Medicines Act.
Affected product
Viatris, the supplier, will likely run out of 15 and 30 mg Vexazone tablets before the end of 2026.
Chemical: Pioglitazone
Brand: Vexazone
- Presentation: Tab 15 mg
- Pharmacode: 2479435
- Subsidy: $6.15
- Measure/Qty: Per 90
- Presentation: Tab 30 mg
- Pharmacode: 2479443
- Subsidy: $7.25
- Measure/Qty: Per 90
Schedule listing for pioglitazone(external link)
The 45 mg strength of pioglitazone remains available.
People who take pioglitazone
Temporary new brand
Your usual Vexazone brand of tablets will likely run out by the end of 2026. You may then be dispensed a different brand, Pioglitazone Rising.
This brand contains the same active ingredient in the same amount. It is designed to work in your body the same way. Talk to your prescriber if you notice any difference in the effect of these tablets.
Looks slightly different
Both brands have white tablets. The Rising brand 30 mg tablet is a slightly different shape from the Vexazone. Both strengths of the Rising brand have different letters and numbers etched into them. You should see a H on one side and either 31 or 32 on the other.
Medicine not Medsafe reviewed
This brand has not been reviewed by Medsafe for use in New Zealand. However, it is used 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)
We're sorry, we know that supply issues can be disruptive. Pharmac and the supplier are working to ensure you can continue to access your treatment.
Alternative brand listed 1 November
To ensure people can continue to access treatment, we have listed an alternative brand of pioglitazone from 1 November 2026.
Brand: Pioglitazone Rising
- Presentation: Tab 15 mg
- Pharmacode: 2739917
- Subsidy: $6.15
- Measure/Qty: Per 90
- Presentation: Tab 30 mg
- Pharmacode: 2739925
- Subsidy: $7.25
- Measure/Qty: Per 90
Section 29 and wastage will apply.
- Pioglitazone | Supply issue flyer October 2026 [PDF 289 KB]
Expected resupply
We are working with the supplier to understand when Vexazone brand pioglitazone tablets 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)