Praziquantel: Brand change from Biltricide to Distoside
The supplier of Biltricide brand tablets is discontinuing this product. Pharmac has sourced an alternative so people can continue to access treatment.
What's happening
The funded brand of praziquantel 600 mg is changing from Biltricide to Distoside. Bayer, the supplier of Biltricide, decided to discontinue this product.
Pharmac has found an alternative to ensure people can continue to access treatment while we work on finding a long-term supplier for praziquantel tablets.
The alternative will be listed from 1 August 2025. It is not Medsafe approved and will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. 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.
| Brand | Biltricide | Distoside |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 600 mg tablet | 600 mg tablet |
| Pharmacode | 2028808 | 2710684 |
| Subsidy | $68.00 | $87.68 |
| Measure/Qty | 8 pack | 8 pack |
| Supplier | Bayer | Medsurge |
| Note | n/a | S29 and wastage applies |
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 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)
Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)
What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)
- Unapproved Medicine flier A5 [PDF 58 KB]
Key dates
1 August 2025 | Distoside tablets listed
August 2025 | Remaining stock of Biltricide tablets likely to run out
30 March 2026 | Biltricide tablets expire
1 April 2026 | Biltricide tablets no longer funded (delisted from the Schedule)
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)