An oral contraceptive pill used by an estimated 9000 New Zealanders is in short supply, with stock due to run out this month.
On Thursday Pharmac advised healthcare professionals of the manufacturing delay of Brevinor-1, a funded 28-day pill.
The pill's supplier Pfizer told Pharmac it isn't expecting more stock to arrive in New Zealand until mid-October.
Some pharmacies will have stock to fill prescriptions, but it will be limited and unevenly distributed across the country.
PHARMAC's director of operations Lisa Williams is urging Kiwis using Brevinor-1 to consider other contraceptive options.
"We have worked closely with Pfizer to try to avoid this situation, including looking for an alternative brand, but it has not been possible to source a chemically equivalent medicine to bring into New Zealand," said Williams.
"We realise this short supply situation will be disruptive for some people and we encourage people taking Brevinor-1 28 Day, who need more supplies of this medicine, to go back to their prescriber to discuss an alternative contraceptive option."
Several other contraceptive pills are currently funded in New Zealand.
