Please find below some key messages for the current supply issues with oral contraceptives.

Pharmac’s webpage is live and up to date  https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/information-for/enquiries/oral-contraceptives-supply-updates/

In general, while alternative brands have been sourced, they are unapproved medicines which means they need to be supplied in accordance with section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981.

We have asked that prescribers familiarise themselves with their obligations under section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 which specifies that only medical practitioners can prescribe. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/riss/unapp.asp

Some recent guidance on funded contraceptive options is available here. https://bpac.org.nz/2019/contraception/options.aspx

Progestogen-only contraceptives
Levonorgestrel 30mcg (Microlut)

• Levonorgestrel 30 mcg (Microlut) is a progestogen-only contraceptive. The supplier, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, has advised there are currently shortages of Microlut.
• PHARMAC has listed an alternative levonorgestrel tab 30 mcg product (brand name Microlut SCT) on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.  Microlut SCT is an unapproved medicine in New Zealand which means it needs to be supplied in accordance with section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981.
• Bayer advises that Microlut SCT will be available in late May and the New Zealand approved brand, Microlut, will be back in stock in early August.  This means that anybody changing from Microlut to an alternative product would only need to do so temporarily.
• The active ingredients and strength of Microlut SCT are the same as Microlut, however, Microlut SCT is an overseas registered pharmaceutical and has slightly different packaging and product information from Microlut.  All patients must therefore seek medical advice from their prescriber prior to changing and Microlut SCT should not be considered as a direct substitute for Microlut.
• We are advising people taking Microlut, to visit their prescriber to seek advice and discuss all their options.   People should visit their prescriber if they have run out of Microlut or have a repeat prescription owing for Microlut.
• Alternative funded  Progestogen-only contraceptives are listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/wwwtrs/ScheduleOnline.php?code=A130804

Combined oral contraceptives
Ethinyloestradiol 35mcg with norethisterone 500mcg (Norimin)

• The supplier, Pfizer, has advised that Norimin stock is likely to run out by the middle of June, but supply will be restored by mid-July 2020.
• To cover the short unavailability period, PHARMAC has listed an alternative ethinyloestradiol 35mcg with norethisterone 500mcg product (brand name Necon), on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.  Necon is also supplied by Pfizer, but it is an unapproved medicine in New Zealand which means it needs to be supplied in accordance with section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981.
• Pfizer advises that supplies of Necon will be available in early June. This means that anybody changing from Norimin to an alternative product would only need to do so temporarily.
• The active ingredients and strengths of Necon are the same as Norimin, however, Necon is an overseas registered pharmaceutical and has different packaging and product information from Norimin.
• We are advising people taking Norimin to seek medical advice from their prescriber prior to changing and Necon should not be considered as a direct substitute for Norimin. People should visit their prescriber if they have run out of Norimin or have a repeat prescription owing for Norimin.

Alternative funded combined oral contraceptives are listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/wwwtrs/ScheduleOnline.php?code=A130802