From time to time the RANZCP is notified of shortages of reportable medicines in Australia.
This page lists current alerts received from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), together with actions you can take to manage the shortage.
For more information and to subscribe to updates, see the TGA’s Medicine Shortages Information Initiative.
If you know of a shortage, you can tell the College by emailing ranzcp@ranzcp.org
10 March 2020 | Shortage of Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride)
Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) is currently unavailable in Australia, with supply predicted to be impacted until 31 August 2020.
To obtain alternative unapproved products, psychiatrists can apply to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) via the Special Access Scheme (Category B).
The College has been notified that the following suppliers have sourced alternative products. For more information on how to order this alternative supply, please contact them directly.
| Symbion SAS |
Tel: 1300 012 686 |
| Medsurge |
Tel: 1300 788 261 |
23 January 2020 | Shortage of Nardil phenelzine 15mg tablet
Nardil phenelzine 15mg tablet bottle (AUST R: 93600) are currently unavailable in Australia until 31 December 2020.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) note an unregistered product has been approved for supply under Section 19A.
Please visit the TGA website for guidance regarding Section 19A.
From time to time the RANZCP is notified of shortages of reportable medicines in New Zealand.
When alerts become available they will be published here.
1 November 2019 | New Zealand Transport Agency - Funded brand of Epilepsy medication (Lamotrigine)
The New Zealand Transport Agency has released the following advice about driving, following the change to funded brands of lamotrigine:
"Pharmac has recently announced there will be changes to funded brands of epilepsy medication, effective 1 October 2019.
The Transport Agency’s primary concern is road safety, and while we will not be enforcing a mandatory stand-down period from driving as we do when licence holders undergo a withdrawal of treatment, as a precaution we will be recommending that health practitioners whose patients have or will be transferring brands consider a voluntary stand down from driving during the eight-week early transition period after switching medications, should they have any concerns when considering an individual patient’s medical history and other relevant factors.
Additionally, we encourage anyone with concerns about the potential side effects as a consequence of changing brands to consult with their health practitioner or specialist before continuing to drive. Health professionals are often best placed to make a determination in respect of a person’s driving ability, by considering the patient’s medical history and other relevant factors that may only be known by their health practitioner."