27/02/2026
⚠️Medicine shortage update – Shortage of Zimstat (simvastatin) 5 mg tablets and substitution approval extended⚠️
Pharmaceutical company Alphapharm has told us that the shortage of Zimstat (simvastatin) 5 mg tablets has been extended until end of April 2026.
Although other brands and strengths of simvastatin will remain available, Zimstat 5 mg is the only tablet of that strength supplied in Australia.
To help patients have continuous access to this medicine, we have extended the Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) until 31 May 2026.
The SSSI allows a pharmacist to dispense an equivalent quantity of simvastatin 10 mg tablets, if appropriate, without a new prescription.
Read more: https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages-and-supply-disruptions/medicine-shortages/medicine-shortage-alerts/shortage-zimstat-simvastatin-5-mg-tablets-and-substitution-approval-extended
