Pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis Australia has told us that their 2 brands of diltiazem 360 mg controlled-release capsules are being discontinued in Australia due to manufacturing issues.
- Cardizem CD 360 mg became unavailable in June 2026.
- Vasocardol CD 360 mg will no longer be supplied in Australia from 1 November 2026, with reduced supply expected until stock is exhausted.
Controlled-release diltiazem capsules are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. They are also indicated for the management of chronic stable angina (effort-associated angina) where there is no evidence of vasospastic or unstable angina.
To help patients have continuous access to this medicine, we have made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) that allows a pharmacist to dispense diltiazem 180 mg controlled-release capsules in place of diltiazem 360 mg controlled-release capsules without a new prescription. The SSSI will be active between 1 October 2026 and 1 October 2027.
For detailed information about the SSSI and important factors when considering a substitution, visit About the discontinuation of diltiazem 360 mg controlled-release capsules.
For more information about SSSIs see Substituting scarce medicines and Serious Scarcity Substitution Instruments (SSSIs).