The government's drug-buying agency is working to manage a shortage of a popular oral contraceptive pill.

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Pharmac confirmed the short supply of Levlen ED this week.

Its director of operations Lisa Williams said the contraceptive drug would be re-stocked in late March.

The agency had requested the pill be rationed and dispensed in one-month amounts instead of six-month lots, Ms Williams said.

She said its contracts with suppliers required them to hold a minimum of two months' stock in New Zealand, she said.

In December 2017, pharmacists across the country were forced to ration their supplies of popular pill brand Ava 30 and Levlen ED due to short supply.