Zoledronic acid (inj 4 mg per 5 ml): Supply issue

Supply issue Active

Due to a shortage of the active ingredient, there has been a delay to the next shipment of zoledronic acid 4 mg per 5 ml injections (Pharmacode: 2631830).

Affected product

Viatris, the supplier, advises that the next shipment of this product has been delayed because of a shortage of the active ingredient. 

Zoledronic acid

  • Presentation: Inj 4 mg per 5 ml, vial
  • Brand: Zoledronic acid Viatris
  • Pharmacode: 2631830
  • Subsidy: $15.65
  • Measure / Qty: per 1

Schedule listing for zoledronic acid(external link)

This issue does not affect the inj 0.05 mg per ml, 100 ml, bag presentation of zoledronic acid.

Alternative listed from 1 June 2025

We have listed an alternative to ensure people can continue to access treatment. This product contains the same active ingredient in the same amount. It also has the same inactive ingredients, but in slightly different amounts. 

This product has not been approved by Medsafe so will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. 

  • Presentation: Inj 4 mg per 5 ml, vial
  • Brand: Zoledronic acid Viatris S29
  • Pharmacode: 2706032
  • Subsidy: $15.65
  • Measure / Qty: per 1
  • 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)

Expected resupply July 2025

Viatris 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.

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