Sodium cromoglicate (Ralicrom) Cap 100 mg: Supply issue
The supplier has run out of sodium cromoglicate (Ralicrom) 100 mg capsules (Pharmacode: 2628295)
16 April 2026 | Supply update
Unfortunately, stock of the alternative (Somex S29) brand has run out before the registered product has been resupplied. We are seeking more stock of the alternative.
Stock of the registered product is expected to arrive during the week ending 24 April 2026. The supplier will do everything to expedite this stock through the standard border checks to get it released to wholesalers as quickly as possible. It can still take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the country.
Affected product
The active ingredient (API) had been unavailable, which delayed the manufacturing of more Ralicrom capsules. The supplier has been out of stock since December 2025.
There continues to be high demand for this product.
- Chemical: Sodium cromoglicate
- Presentation: Cap 100 mg
- Brand: Ralicrom
- Pharmacode: 2628295
- Subsidy: $113.35
- Measure / Qty: per 100
Sodium cromoglicate eye drops (Allerfix) are unaffected by this supply issue.
Schedule listing for Ralicrom(external link)
Alternatives
Where no brand of sodium cromoglicate is available, people will need to talk to the person who prescribed the Ralicrom about the best alternative.
Somex brand listed 1 January 2026
An alternative to Ralicrom was funded from 1 January 2026.
- Chemical: Sodium cromoglicate
- Presentation: Cap 100 mg
- Brand: Somex S29
- Pharmacode: 2719649
- Subsidy: $365.00
- Measure / Qty: per 100
- Section 29 and wastage claimable
Allergoval listed 1 February 2026
Allergoval is labelled in German. The supplier will include a CMI in English with the product. Stock of the product is available from the supplier.
- Chemical: Sodium cromoglicate
- Presentation: Cap 100 mg
- Brand: Allergoval (German)
- Pharmacode: 2721015
- Subsidy: $125.70
- Measure / Qty: per 100
- Section 29 and wastage apply
Nalcrom listed 1 February 2026
Nalcrom is labelled in Italian. The supplier will include a CMI in English with the product. Stock of the product is available from the supplier. Note the pack size is 20 (compared to Ralicrom's 100).
- Chemical: Sodium cromoglicate
- Presentation: Cap 100 mg
- Brand: Nalcrom (Italian)
- Pharmacode: 2721023
- Subsidy: $44.50
- Measure / Qty: per 20
- Section 29 and wastage apply
General Supply Issue flyer [PDF 111 KB]
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 a medicine under section 29A is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow people to continue 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)
Resupply expected late April/early May
Stock is expected to land in New Zealand during the week ending 24 April 2026. The supplier will do everything to expedite this stock through the standard border checks to get it released to wholesalers as quickly as possible. It can still take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the country.
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)
Pharmac is a government agency. We do not sell medicines or related products.