Venlafaxine (Enlafax XR) 75 mg capsule: Supply issue
The supplier expects to run out of venlafaxine (Enlafax XR) 75mg capsules (Pharmacode: 2713411) by mid-October, before the next shipment arrives.
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Affected product
The supplier expects to run out of this product in mid-October, before the next shipment arrives. Other strengths remain available.
- Chemical: Venlafaxine
- Presentation: Cap 75 mg
- Brand: Enlafax XR
- Pharmacode: 2713411
- Subsidy: $10.32
- Measure / Qty: per 84
Schedule listing for venlafaxine(external link)
People who take venlafaxine
Your pharmacist may dispense a different brand of venlafaxine, called Venlofex. This brand contains the same active ingredient (venlafaxine) in the same strength as your usual Enlafax XR brand.
The capsules and packaging may look different from your usual medicine, however it is the same medicine and is designed to work in the same way.
Not reviewed by Medsafe
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)
Where 75 mg capsules aren't available
If neither 75 mg brand is available, your pharmacist may supply two 37.5 mg capsules of the Enlafax XR brand to provide your usual dose. Your pharmacist will advise you if this is necessary.
Alternative listed from 8 October 2026
Venlofex 75 mg capsules (Pharmacode: 2738910) are funded from 8 October 2026. Venlofex is expected to be available for pharmacies to order from mid-October. This product has not been reviewed by Medsafe, which means it must be prescribed and supplied in line with sections 29 and 29A of the Medicines Act.
- Chemical: Venlafaxine
- Presentation: Cap 75 mg
- Brand: Enlafax XR
- Pharmacode: 2738910
- Subsidy: $10.32
- Measure / Qty: per 84
Pharmacists
As Venlofex 75 mg is being listed on the Community Pharmaceutical Schedule out of the usual cycle, it will not appear in the online Schedule until later in October.
Health NZ have confirmed that you can claim Venlofex from 8 October, you don't need to defer claiming until November.
Venlofex 75 mg will be added to the HML from 1 November 2026.
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 when there is supply issue affecting the registered brand.
We know supplying an unapproved medicine 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.
What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)
Expected resupply November 2026
The supplier expects Enlafax XR 75 mg capsules will be available again by early November 2026.
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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