There are 3 important medicine updates the ZOOM Pharmacy team wants our patients to be aware of that have been announced by Pharmac, the government agency responsible for funding medicines in New Zealand. If you take Coversyl (perindopril), Candestar (candesartan), and/or Rosuvastatin this article is relevant to you.
Coversyl contains perindopril, a medicine commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. The supplier of Coversyl is bringing a new version of this medicine into New Zealand. The new version is as effective as the original version. Here are the key things to know:
The original formulation of Coversyl, containing the active ingredient perindopril erbumine, is no longer being made, and the supplier is replacing it with a new version (still called Coversyl). The active ingredient in this new version is perindopril arginine.
The strengths of the new version has changed slightly due to the way it’s formulated. Although they are different strengths, they are each equivalent to an older version, giving you the same effect.
2mg has become 2.5mg, 4mg has become 5mg and 8mg has become 10mg.
People taking Coversyl will need a new prescription to change to the updated formulation.
If you take the 2mg or 8mg Coversyl, you will need a new prescription from September 2026.
If you take 4mg Coversyl, you will need a new prescription from late October 2026.
If you take Coversyl, speak with your pharmacist or GP about when you will need a new prescription. If you have repeats on your Coversyl, check with your pharmacist to see if your original Coversyl can be supplied.
The new version of Coversyl comes in bottles. The tablets also look slightly different. Medsafe has reviewed this new version of Coversyl and confirmed it works the same way as the original.
Candesartan is a medicine commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Candestar is one of the brands of candesartan used in New Zealand. Pharmac has announced that due to manufacturing issues, there has been ongoing supply issues with Candestar brand candesartan tablets.
To help patients continue accessing their treatment, Pharmac has arranged funding for several alternative brands of candesartan. What brand is available will depend on what’s available from the supplier at the time.
These products will have the same ingredient (candesartan) in the same quantity and will work in the body the same way as the Candestar brand.
In September Pharmac announced Viatris will begin supplying Candesartan Viatris, which will be supplied in an New Zealand labelled box – but with French blister packs of medicines.
If you take Candestar, you may notice that your next supply looks different to what you’re used to. Depending on what alterative brand is available, you might receive:
Always check your dispensing label and instructions carefully, particularly if your medicines look different. To see examples of some of the alternative brands view the Pharmac announcement here (external link).
Pharmac currently expects the original Candestar brand to become available again by the end of 2026, although this timeframe may change.
Rosuvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering medicine belonging to a group of medicines called statins. It is commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
There are two updates affecting rosuvastatin in New Zealand regarding funding and supply.
From 1 October 2026 the Special Authority and Hospital Restrictions on rosuvastatin tab 5mg, tab 10mg, and tab 40mg will be removed.
Previously, patients needed to meet certain criteria before receiving funded treatment. Now, rosuvastatin can be prescribed as a funded medicine when clinically appropriate. This has been done to improve access and the health of people living with high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
Due to factory disruptions, there are supply issues with Rosuvastatin Viatris tablets. If you take rosuvastatin, you may be dispensed Rosuvastatin Mylan. Pharmac has funded Rosuvastatin Mylan as an alternative to help maintain medicine supplies.
Both brands contain the same active ingredient in the same strength and are designed to work in the same way. The Mylan brand has also been approved by Medsafe for use in New Zealand.
If you are used to Rosuvastatin Viatris and receive Rosuvastatin Mylan you may notice differences in the appearance of their medicine or packaging.
Medicine supply issues and brand changes can be disruptive and frustrating. If you are affected by any of these updates, here are some important things to remember:
The ZOOM Pharmacy team is here to help you understand changes to your medicines and support you in managing them. If you have any questions about these updates or how they may affect your prescriptions, please get in touch with our pharmacy team.
If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance please don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team via the contact us form here.
OR you can also reach our team by phone 0508 966 622 or email help@zoompharmacy.co.nz
Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30am-4:00pm.
Information correct as at 27 October 2026. Medicine availability and supply arrangements may change. For the latest information, refer to Pharmac’s medicine notices linked above.
