Alerts

We have made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) that starts on 22 December 2025 and ends on 28 April 2026. The SSSI allows a pharmacist to dispense an equivalent quantity of clonidine 100 mcg tablets, if appropriate, without a new prescription

Pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are discontinuing some of their insulin products.

Supply constraints will apply to Creon 25,000 unit and 35,000 unit capsules until 30 June 2026.

Pharmacists can substitute 10 mg simvastatin tablets during the shortage of the 5 mg tablets.

Pharmacists can substitute whichever brand and strength of nicorandil is available during the shortage.

We have extended the Therapeutic Goods (Serious Scarcity and Substitutable Medicine) (Labetalol) Instrument 2025 (SSSI) to 31 December 2025.

Pharmacists can dispense 200 mg tablets during the shortage.

Concerta modified-release tablets will remain in shortage at various times until the end of 2026

All strengths of the Mounjaro vial presentation are discontinued but the Mounjaro KwikPen is available in the same strengths.

Clinical guidance for prescribers during the shortages is available.

We have approved overseas-registered substitutes for Pegasys 135 micrograms/0.5 mL and 180 micrograms/0.5 mL pre-filled syringes.

Various brands of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets are in shortage.

Ritalin and Artige immediate-release tablets are now also in shortage, and a shortage of Ritalin LA capsules is anticipated.

Pharmacists can use a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) to dispense Protaphane Penfill human insulin in the place of a Protaphane InnoLet cartridge.

Due to the concerns and difficulties caused by such shortages, we are giving patients and prescribers early notification so that they can plan ahead.

Pharmacists may dispense alternative brands or strengths without a new prescription.