Quetiapine (Quetapel) 25 mg tablet: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

The next delivery of quetiapine 25 mg tablets (Quetapel | Pharmacode: 2476266) has been delayed.

Affected product

Because of a delay, the supplier may go out of stock of the following product in July 2025.

  • Chemical: Quetiapine
  • Presentation: Tab 25 mg
  • Brand: Quetapel
  • Pharmacode: 2476266
  • Subsidy: $2.36
  • Measure / Qty: per 90

Other strengths of quetiapine remain unaffected by this supply issue.

Schedule listing for quetiapine(external link)

Alternative product available

Two alternative pack sizes were listed from 1 April 2025 for an earlier issue.

Same medicine, different look

This quetiapine has the same active ingredients in the same amount. However, the tablets and blister packs will look different.

The blister packs are labelled for people in Japan. Viatris has re-labelled the outside box for New Zealand, but the blister packs have Japanese writing on them.

Brand: Quetiapine Viatris
Presentation: Tab 25 mg

  • Pharmacode: 2701162 
  • Subsidy: $0.79
  • Measure / Qty: per 30
  • wastage applies
  • Pharmacode: 2701170 
  • Subsidy: $13.11
  • Measure / Qty: per 500
  • Wastage applies

Please do not cut the foil strip, this ensures the quetiapine wording remains visible.

Japanese branded quetiapine blister packs use Green for the text and background colour..

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)

Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)

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

Resupply date to be confirmed

We are working with the supplier to understand when the shipment will arrive.

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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