Prescriber Updates
These prescriber updates provide primary care clinicians with clinical resources, overviews of upcoming new medicines, updates to clinical practice or guidelines and alerts.
Medicine Supply Issues | May 2026
Medicine supply disruptions are an ongoing global challenge, with availability changing frequently. Staying up to date can be difficult.
PHARMAC maintains a regularly updated Medicine Notices webpage outlining current supply issues, discontinuations and brand changes. We recommend bookmarking this page for quick access.
You can also subscribe to PHARMAC’s email updates for health care professionals to receive regular information about consultations, notifications, and supply issues.
Other considerations
Recent updates to the Medicines Act 1981 provide additional flexibility during shortages. Under Section 29A, any authorised prescriber may prescribe an unapproved medicine that is funded by PHARMAC as an alternative to an approved medicine in short supply.
Stock availability may vary between pharmacies. Liaising with local pharmacists can help identify suitable alternatives and provide up-to-date information on availability.
For specific concerns about medicine supply issues, enquiries can be directed to PHARMAC.
Clinical or drug information enquiries can be directed to our WellSouth Pharmacists.
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Meet the Team
WellSouth employ a number of Clinical Pharmacists who work within primary care to support and educate whānau on how to get the best out of their medication.
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Clinical Pharmacists
WellSouth's clinical pharmacists and pharmacist prescribers work directly with patients and liaise with the general practice team, to make sure your medicines help you get better and stay well.
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Prescriber Resources
Find a range of resources for medicine, long-term conditions and patients.
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