Antihormonal medicine removed in Australia will remain available in New Zealand

A drug used to slow some types of cancer and treat endometriosis symptoms will remain on shelves in New Zealand despite its removal in Australia.

Goserelin is an antihormonal medication used for a number of conditions, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, breast cancer and prostate cancer, along with fertility treatment and gender affirming care.

In New Zealand, it's funded for the treatment of some prostate and breast cancers, to alleviate symptoms of endometriosis, and to assist reproduction.

Pharmac said it was used by about 12,000 people a year - 2000 on a 3.6mg dose and 10,000 on a 10.8mg dose.

In Australia, the ABC has reported the 3.6mg implant, also known as Zoladex, will be removed from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and from the private market in November, at the request of manufacturer AstraZeneca for commercial reasons.

The 10.8mg version would remain available, but currently, that was only funded for prostate cancer, leaving Australian women who took it to slow the growth of breast cancers, or reduce the risk of recurrence, concerned about their ability to access it.

AstraZeneca told the ABC the removal from the Australian market was not related to the product's safety or efficacy.

It told RNZ there would be no change to its availability in New Zealand.

Pharmac's chief advisor for pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin, confirmed Pharmac was aware of the situation in Australia, but had not been advised of any disruptions that might affect the New Zealand market.

"We can confirm that Pharmac continues to fund goserelin acetate (Zoladex) 3.6mg and 10.8mg in New Zealand, and Pharmac has no plans to change its funding or supply arrangements."

"We are in contact with the supplier and will continue to monitor the situation closely."

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.