Sotalol (80 mg tablets): Supply issue

Supply issue Active

Due to delays getting the active ingredient, there will be an out of stock of sotalol 80 mg tablets (Pharmacode: 2127903).

Affected product

Viatris, the supplier, advised that there was a delay with manufacturing due to a shortage of the active ingredient which has delayed the arrival of the next shipment

Sotalol

  • Presentation: Tab 80 mg
  • Brand: Mylan
  • Pharmacode: 2127903
  • Subsidy: $37.50
  • Measure / Qty: per 500

Schedule listing for sotalol(external link)

This issue does not affect the 160 mg tablets.

Alternative product listed from 1 June

We have funded an alternative to ensure people can continue to access this medicine. It has the same active ingredient in the same quantities. The inactive ingredients remain the same but are in slightly different quantities.

 Note that this is a different pack size to the listed product.

  • Presentation: Tab 80 mg
  • Brand: Sotalol Viatris
  • Pharmacode: 2703580
  • Subsidy: $22.50
  • Measure / Qty: per 300
  • Section 29 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 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 by July 2025

Viatris, the supplier, expects the next shipment to arrive by July 2025.

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)