An acne pill that was suspended in France after it was linked to deaths is available in New Zealand.
Medsafe says it will monitor the outcome of a European review into the pill, known as Diane 35, following four deaths in France in the past 25 years.
The agency says Diane 35 is approved for use in New Zealand for the treatment of acne in women and is also used as an oral contraceptive by some patients.
Clinical risk manager Chris James said the pill is not funded in New Zealand so usage is likely to be low if at all.
A similar pill, known as Ginet 84, does have funding and is used in the same way.
The Diane 35 pill will be assessed by a committee in Europe before a recommendation is made to the European Union on what should be done about it.
