Olanzapine (Zypine ODT) 5 and 10 mg orodispersible tablets: Supply issue
Due to an issue at the factory, the supplier has run out of Zypine ODT 5 mg and 10 mg olanzapine tablets.
6 November 2026 | Apo-Olanzapine 10 mg supply limited
Unfortunately, due to issues during shipping, the latest shipment of Apo-Olanzapine 10 mg ODT could not be released. There is currently limited stock within the supply chain.
A shipment of 5 mg Zyprexa ODT tablets has arrived and is currently being distributed to wholesalers.
Another shipment of the Apo-Olanzapine 10 mg ODT is expected on 9 November. The supplier will get this expedited to release. A further shipment is expected before the end of November.
Affected product
Due to manufacturing and shipping delays, the supplier ran out of Zypine ODT brand olanzapine orodispersible tablets.
Chemical: Olanzapine
- Presentation: Tab orodispersible 10 mg
- Brand: Zypine ODT
- Pharmacode: 2439840
- Subsidy: $2.89
- Measure / Qty: per 28
- Presentation: Tab orodispersible 5 mg
- Brand: Zypine ODT
- Pharmacode: 2439832
- Subsidy: $2.42
- Measure / Qty: per 28
Information for people who take olanzapine ODT
We're sorry. We know that changing brands of medicines can be disruptive. To make sure you can continue your treatment uninterrupted, Pharmac has funded Apo-Olanzapine and Zyprexa Zydis.
Different look, same effect
Your tablets will come in a different box. They may have a different look, and a different taste. However, they contain the same active ingredient, in the same amount as your usual brand. They are designed to work the same way as your usual brand of tablets.
Not Medsafe reviewed
These brands are used in other countries. They have not been reviewed by Medsafe for use in New Zealand. This means your doctor and pharmacist have extra steps they have to follow, including explaining what taking an unapproved medicine means.
More about unapproved medicines | Healthify NZ(external link)
Any questions?
Please talk to your pharmacist or the person who prescribes this medicine if you have any questions.
Alternative brand listed 10 September
From 10 September 2026, Pharmac funded the following product.
- Chemical: Olanzapine
- Presentation: Tab orodispersible 5 mg
- Brand: Zyprexa Zydis
- Pharmacode: 2737736
- Subsidy: $2.42
- Measure / Qty: per 28
Pharmacists: You will be able to claim for dispensings from 10 September 2026.
Alternative brands listed 1 May 2026
From 1 May, Pharmac funded two new brands of orodispersible olanzapine tablets. Only the 10 mg Apo-Olanzapine is still being supplied.
Brand: Apo-Olanzapine
This product comes in blister packs with 28 tablets in a box.
Strength: 10 mg
- Pharmacode: 2729644
- Subsidy: $4.49
- Quantity: per 28
- Apo Olanzapine alternative flyer [PDF 191 KB]
- Zyprexa Zydis Olanzapine ODT 5 mg flyer [PDF 146 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 an unapproved medicine. 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
Viatris, the supplier, expects to have stock available again in 2027.
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)