Electronic controlled drug register rolling out to 850+ pharmacies

NEWS - eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth 

Medsafe has approved an electronic controlled drug register for use in New Zealand pharmacies, allowing them to replace their paper-based register.

The register is developed by Kiwi brand Toniq Limited, which has been testing the solution - Toniq Guard - with Medsafe oversight, as part of a controlled trial.

The company says it is now preparing to rollout the cloud-based technology to over 850 pharmacies.

Toniq senior product manager Luke Tilson says the priority in coming weeks is to assist the vast network of New Zealand pharmacies to make the digital leap forward.

“The electronic controlled-drug register is integrated with the Toniq Dispensary system currently used by 85 per cent of community pharmacies nationwide,” he explains.

Tilson says feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, showing the solution reduced the administrative burden on pharmacists. 

Announcing the Medsafe approval, associate health minister David Seymour says the register will increase efficiency by allowing pharmacists to focus on patients instead of administrative tasks like manual record-keeping.

“I’m excited to see New Zealand embrace innovative technology like this, and I look forward to seeing how it can help ease our pharmacists’ workloads,” Seymour says.

Pharmacies are required to keep detailed records of any controlled drugs in stock, such as opioids and medicinal cannabis: these are recorded in physical paper-based registers and can take considerable work to maintain.

“Electronic systems like this are the future of pharmacy, and it is fantastic to see New Zealand adopting them, especially involving a Kiwi brand,” says Mr Seymour.

“The register integrates with the Toniq dispensing system, helping maintain accurate oversight of the number and type of drugs in storage, and simplifies recording requirements through its automated processes.”

Seymour says Medsafe is assessing the abilities of other vendors and will look to make more options available if they meet their standards.

Toniq Guard was in development for several years before being formally approved for implementation by regulatory body Medsafe in March 2025.

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