Atropine (Martindale) Inj 600 mcg per ml, 1 ml ampoule: Supply issue resolved

Affected product

Due to an issue at the manufacturer, Martindale, the two deliveries of atropine ampoules were delayed. This issue has also affected deliveries of dopamine, a hospital-only medicine. 

• Chemical: Atropine sulphate
• Presentation: Inj 600 mcg per ml, 1 ml ampoule
• Brand: Martindale
• Pharmacode: 2528754 
• Subsidy: $15.09
• Measure / Qty: per 10

Schedule listing for atropine sulphate(external link)

HML listing for atropine sulphate(external link)

Alternative product

We listed an alternative from 1 September 2024, however it is not Medsafe approved (section 29). We ask that people preserve the approved stock for uses where a section 29 product is not appropriate, such as on PSO.  

• Chemical: Atropine sulphate
• Brand: Juno
• Presentation: 600mcg/1mL
• Pack size: per 10 
• Storage conditions: Store below 25C
• Pharmacode: 2689421
• List price: $16.10 / pack

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 November 2024

The atropine has arrived and been overlabelled. Product has been released to wholesalers. It will likely take another one to two weeks to reach pharmacies around the motu.

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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