Atracurium besylate (Inj 10 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule): Hospital supply issue resolved

Supply issue Hospital only Active

There is a supply issue affecting the 2.5 ml ampoule of atracurium besylate (Inj 10 mg per ml).

6 November 2024 | Update

Stock has arrived with the supplier and has been released to wholesalers. It may take another one to two weeks for stock to make it through supply chains to pharmacies around the motu.

Affected product

There is a supply issue affecting the following product:

  • Chemical: Atracurium besylate
  • Presentation: Inj 10 mg per ml, 2.5 ml ampoule
  • Brand: Tracrium
  • Pharmacode: 311618 
  • Price: $18.40
  • Measure / Qty: per 5

HML listing for atracurium besylate(external link)

Alternative products

There is some stock of the 2.5 ml ampoule in the supply chain. We have also received advice that the 5 ml ampoule (pharmacode 311626), which is the same strength, can be used.

Our clinical advice also suggests that other non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents may also be appropriate.

Muscle relaxants and other agents in the HML(external link)

Non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents in the NZ Formulary(external link)

Expected resupply

The supplier expects to have stock available again by mid-to-late November 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.

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