Goserelin, an antihormonal medication essential for treating conditions like breast and prostate cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids, remains fully available in New Zealand. While the manufacturer, AstraZeneca, is withdrawing the 3.6mg implant from the Australian market for commercial reasons, Pharmac has confirmed there are no plans to alter supply or funding arrangements for New Zealand patients.
Why is Goserelin staying in New Zealand?
Pharmac, the agency responsible for managing New Zealand’s pharmaceutical funding, has explicitly stated that the medication’s local status is unchanged. Adrienne Martin, Pharmac’s chief advisor for pharmaceuticals, confirmed that the organization is aware of the Australian situation but has received no notification of supply disruptions affecting New Zealand.
According to Pharmac, the agency continues to fund both the 3.6mg and 10.8mg versions of goserelin acetate, known as Zoladex. They remain in contact with the supplier to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the 12,000 New Zealanders who rely on this medication—2,000 on the 3.6mg dose and 10,000 on the 10.8mg dose—maintain access to their treatment.
The Situation in Australia: A Comparative Look
The divergence between the two markets stems from a commercial decision made by AstraZeneca. According to reports from the ABC, the company requested the removal of the 3.6mg implant from Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the private market, effective this November.
While the 10.8mg version will remain available in Australia, its funding is currently restricted to prostate cancer treatment. This creates a significant gap for Australian women who utilize the drug to manage breast cancer or prevent its recurrence. AstraZeneca has clarified to the ABC that this withdrawal is strictly for commercial reasons and is unrelated to the safety or efficacy of the product.
Did you know?
Goserelin serves a wide range of medical needs, including fertility treatments and gender-affirming care, in addition to its primary use as an antihormonal therapy for various cancers.
What happens next for patients?
For patients in New Zealand, the current supply chain remains stable. Because Pharmac manages funding and supply agreements at a national level, the commercial adjustments occurring across the Tasman do not automatically trigger a shift in local availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goserelin being discontinued globally?
No. AstraZeneca’s decision to remove the 3.6mg version from the Australian market is a localized commercial move, not a global discontinuation.
Are there safety concerns with the drug?
AstraZeneca has explicitly stated that the removal in Australia is not linked to any issues regarding the medication’s safety or effectiveness.
How many people in New Zealand use this medication?
Pharmac reports that approximately 12,000 people in New Zealand use goserelin, with the majority (10,000) utilizing the 10.8mg dose.
Pro Tip: If you are concerned about your medication access, always consult your specialist or pharmacist. They receive direct updates from Pharmac regarding any potential changes to the national formulary.
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