Salbutamol (Asthalin) nebuliser 1 mg and 2 mg per ml: Supply issue resolved

A manufacturing delay impacted the supply of Asthalin salbutamol 1 mg / ml and 2 mg / ml nebuliser solution (Pharmacodes 2154315 & 2154323).

12 April 2024 update

Rex Medical stock has been released of Salbutamol (Asthalin) Nebuliser soln 

  • 2 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule (Pharmacode: 2154323) and
  • 1 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule (Pharmacode: 2154315)

. 

Affected products

There was an out of stock of both funded strengths of Asthalin. We listed alternatives to cover the supply issue.

2 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule

Affected product

  • Chemical: Salbutamol
  • Brand: Asthalin
  • Presentation: Nebuliser soln, 2 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule - Up to 30 neb available on a PSO
  • Pharmacode: 2154323

Listed alternative from 22 March 2024

  • Brand: PMS-Salbutamol
  • Presentation: nebuliser soln, 2 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule (up to 30 neb on PSO)
  • Pharmacode: 2676710
  • Measure/Qty: 20 ampoules
  • Supplier: Rex Medical 
  • Section 29, wastage rules apply

Note this will not appear in the Online Schedule until it is updated for 1 April.

Listed alternative from 1 February 2024

Note the alternative brand is a 30 pack (where the contracted brand is a 20 pack), please update your order quantities accordingly. Limited stock is available. We continue to work with the supplier on alternatives.

  • Brand:Cipla (Section 29)
  • Pharmacode: 2672529 
  • Subsidy: $14.15
  • Measure / Qty: per 30

1 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule

Affected product

  • 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

Listed alternative from 22 March 2024

  • Brand: PMS-Salbutamol
  • Presentation: nebuliser soln, 1 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule (up to 30 neb on PSO)
  • Pharmacode: 2676419
  • Pack size: 20 ampoules
  • Supplier: Rex Medical 
  • Section 29 rules apply and wastage claimable

Note this will not appear in the Online Schedule until 1 April.

Listed alternatives from 1 March 2024

Stock is expected to arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand by late February. It can take a couple of weeks to clear quality assurance and make its way through the supply chain to pharmacies.

  • Brand: Teva-Salbutamol Sterinebs
  • Presentation: Nebuliser soln, 1 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule
  • Pharmacode: 2674319 
  • Pack size: 20 ampoules
  • Subsidy: $8.96 per pack
  • Section 29 rules apply and wastage claimable

Schedule listings for Asthalin(external link)

This issue also affects salbutamol with ipratropium nebuliser solution 2.5 mg (Duolin)

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)

Resupplied

Normal supply resumed by mid April 2024

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.  

Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)