Welcome to Unichem Bishopdale Pharmacy

The team at Unichem Bishopdale Pharmacy have been proudly providing trusted advice to the Bishopdale community for over 55 years. Our team of experienced professionals are trained to provide tailored recommendations to fit you and the people you care about.

We can safely and efficiently dispense a wide range of medicines, including prescription and non-prescription treatments for the most common of ailments and medical conditions. Come in and see our friendly pharmacists and pharmacy team for all your health and beauty essentials. We look forward to seeing you.

Book a service appointment including vaccinations

We are proud to be able to offer an extensive range of healthcare services to the Bishopdale Community. Some of our services require a booking - please use the link below to do this online. Can't see the service you want to book on the link? Then call us directly at the pharmacy to book. (03) 359 8302 Please see our services tab above for our full range of services.

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Methyphenidate extended-release supply status from Pharmac 19/11/24

We are currently waiting for further supply of all strengths.

There remains a New Zealand-wide shortage of extended-release methylphenidate. There is currently no supply of Methylphenidate Teva – ER with the supplier. Further shipments of this brand are planned for November 2024.

18 mg – stock of Concerta is constrained (further shipments planned in December 2024 and March 2025).
27 mg – stock of Concerta is available (further shipments planned in December 2024 and March 2025).
36 mg – no stock (further shipments planned in December 2024 and late-March 2025)
54 mg – no stock (further shipments planned in November 2024 and February 2025)

We expect some people may not be able to access their medication and alternative treatments will be needed.

If you are currently taking an extended-release brand of methylphenidate, and your prescribed strength or brand is not available, you will need to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will talk to you about your options, including whether you should be prescribed a different brand of methylphenidate.

There are other brands of methylphenidate available, including long-acting, sustained-release, and immediate release options.

We expect that the supply issues with the Teva and Concerta brands of methylphenidate will last for a while, potentially until the middle of next year.

HRT patches shortage

We currently have stock of all HRT patches.

If you are having difficulty getting your regular HRT, speak to your doctor about alternative options for your situation. Other forms of HRT are available including oral tablets or topical gels. It is important to note that these are different medicines so will require a new prescription and guidance from your doctor.

Oral:

1mg Progynova = 25mcg patch, 2mg Progynova = 50mcg patch. Doses higher than this are unapproved and may need specialist input. The prescriber has to bear in mind the contraindications and cautions with oral vs patch therapy.

Gel:

Oestrogel 0.06% gel, 0.75mg /pump: 1 pump = 25mcg patch, 2 pumps = 50mcg patch, 3 pumps = 75mcg patch, 4 pumps = 100mcg patch. Oestrogel should be administered daily on a continuous basis and applied to outer arm/inner thigh. https://www.oestrogel.co.uk/how-to-use-oestrogel. Now funded.

Sandrena 1mg/sachet (1g of gel). Doses of 0.5mg-1.5mg estradiol used per day and adjusted based on response. The Sandrena dose is applied once daily on the skin of the lower trunk of the right or left thigh. **Currently out of stock

We fully appreciate the stress and frustration these shortages are causing and we are doing all we can to procur stock.

Pharmac contact details:

enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz 0800 660 050