Antihormonal medicine removed in Australia will remain available in New Zealand
Goserelin, an essential antihormonal medication, will remain available for patients in New Zealand despite its upcoming withdrawal from the Australian market. While manufacturer AstraZeneca has requested the removal of the 3.6mg Zoladex implant from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for commercial reasons, New Zealand’s supply remains unchanged.
Status of Goserelin in New Zealand
Pharmac, New Zealand’s drug funding agency, has confirmed that it continues to fund both the 3.6mg and 10.8mg versions of goserelin acetate. Adrienne Martin, Pharmac’s chief advisor for pharmaceuticals, stated that the agency is in contact with the supplier and has no plans to alter current funding or supply arrangements.
The medication serves a diverse patient population in New Zealand, with approximately 12,000 individuals using the drug annually. This includes 2,000 patients on the 3.6mg dose and 10,000 on the 10.8mg dose. It is indicated for conditions including prostate and breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, fertility treatment, and gender-affirming care.
Did You Know? Goserelin is utilized by approximately 12,000 people in New Zealand each year, with the vast majority—10,000 patients—receiving the 10.8mg dose.
The Situation in Australia
The divergence in availability stems from a commercial decision by AstraZeneca to remove the 3.6mg implant from the Australian market in November. AstraZeneca has emphasized that this decision is not related to the safety or the efficacy of the medication.
The removal leaves a gap for Australian patients who rely on the 3.6mg dose. While the 10.8mg version will remain on the Australian market, it is currently funded only for prostate cancer. This has created concern for Australian women who use the medication to manage breast cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Expert Insight: The stability of the New Zealand supply chain provides a clear contrast to the uncertainty currently facing Australian patients. While the manufacturer cites commercial reasons for the change in Australia, the reliance of patients on specific dosages for conditions like breast cancer highlights the vulnerability of regional markets when supply decisions are made at the manufacturer level.
What May Happen Next
In New Zealand, Pharmac has indicated it will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure no disruptions affect the local supply. If the supplier were to signal future changes, Pharmac would be required to manage those shifts within its existing funding and supply framework.
In Australia, the removal of the 3.6mg dose could lead to further challenges for patients who previously relied on it for breast cancer management. Analysts might expect continued scrutiny regarding how patients transition to alternative treatments or secure the 10.8mg version if funding criteria remain restricted to prostate cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the removal of goserelin from Australia linked to safety concerns?
No. AstraZeneca has stated that the removal of the 3.6mg implant from the Australian market is due to commercial reasons and is not related to the safety or efficacy of the product.
Will New Zealand patients lose access to their medication?
No. Pharmac has confirmed that it has no plans to change its funding or supply arrangements for goserelin in New Zealand.
How many people use goserelin in New Zealand?
According to Pharmac, about 12,000 people in New Zealand use the drug annually, with 2,000 on the 3.6mg dose and 10,000 on the 10.8mg dose.
How do you think healthcare providers should communicate supply stability to patients when international markets experience changes?