Salbutamol (Asthalin) nebuliser 1 mg per ml: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

A manufacturing delay has affected the supply of Asthalin salbutamol 1 mg / ml nebuliser solution (Pharmacodes 2154315).

14 July 2025 | Alternative listed

An unapproved alternative will be listed from 1 August 2025. It is expected to arrive during August. There may be a brief time when there is no 1 mg/ml available.  

Affected product

The supplier, Rex Medical, expects to run out of the following product by the end of July 2025. 

  • Chemical: Salbutamol
  • Brand: Asthalin
  • Presentation: Nebuliser soln, 1 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule - Up to 30 neb available on a PSO
  • Pharmacode: 2154315
  • Subsidy: $8.96
  • Measure / Qty: per 20

The supplier is closely monitoring stock of the 2 mg / ml strength (Pharmacode: 2154323). It is expecting stock to remain available.  

Alternative product

Using the 2 mg/ml strength (Pharmacode: 2154323)

The 2 mg/ml strength may be dispensed as an alternative. Pharmacists, please explain to people how to dilute this product to the prescribed strength.

If you use Asthalin nebulisers, please make sure you've spoken to your health care provider about how to get the right strength before you use it. 

Alternative listed 1 August 2025

An alternative will be funded from 1 August 2025. We expect stock to arrive some time in August 2025. There may be a supply gap before the alternative becomes available.

  • Chemical: Salbutamol
  • Brand: UK Cipla
  • Presentation: Nebuliser soln, 1 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule - Up to 30 neb available on a PSO
  • Pharmacode: 2710811
  • Subsidy: $8.96
  • Measure / Qty: per 20
  • Unapproved medicine.

Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine

Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 allows for medicines that are not Medsafe approved to be prescribed and supplied to people. The medicine must be prescribed by someone registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand – such as, a doctor. 

We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow patients to be able to access an appropriate treatment. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

Advice for prescribing under section 29 – BPAC website(external link) 

Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 medicines – Medsafe website (external link)

Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)

What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)

Resupply date to be confirmed

We are working with Rex Medical to understand when the contracted product will be available again.

Who to contact

If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.  

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