Ethinyloestradiol 35 mcg with norethisterone 1 mg (Brevinor 1/28): Supply issue
Pfizer, the supplier, has advised PHARMAC that the combined oral contraceptive Brevinor 1/28 has run out.
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Looking for information about Brevinor 28?
Brevinor 28 is a different oral contraceptive from Brevinor 1/28. It has a lower progestogen strength. Brevinor 28 is an alternative to Norimin.
Supply status for Brevinor 1/28
Pfizer has advised PHARMAC that stock of Brevinor 1/28 has run out. They are not expecting more stock to arrive in New Zealand until mid-February 2021.
Pfizer has been unable to source an alternative brand that is chemically equivalent.
There are on-going global constraints on all ethinyloestradiol and norethisterone products. We have previously seen the impact of this with Norimin.
Read more about the Norimin supply issue
We recognise this supply situation may be disruptive for some people and we apologise for this. We will continue to update this web page as information becomes available.
We encourage people taking these oral contraceptives who need more to go back to their prescriber to discuss alternative contraceptive options.
Information for people taking Brevinor 1/28
If you are currently taking Brevinor 1/28 and you need a new prescription, you will need to talk to your prescriber about what alternative contraceptive options that are best for you.
We recognise this may be disruptive for some people and we thank you for your understanding.
Several alternative funded contraceptives are listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule including other oral contraceptives, barrier and long acting reversible contraceptives.
Your health professional will provide you with advice on the alternative types of contraception that are available, including discussing with you:
- what alternative form of contraception would work best for you
- how to maintain effective contraception when switching between brands or types of contraception
- the 7-day rule when switching between brands
Read more about contraception on Health Navigator(external link)
Information for prescribers
The supplier, Pfizer, has a supply issue with Brevinor 1/28 and has been unable to source an alternative brand that is chemically equivalent. This means that people you treat who are taking Brevinor 1/28, and who need more medicine, will need to see you to get a new prescription for an alternative.
Alternative funded combined oral contraceptives are listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Check the Schedule for funded combined oral contraceptives(external link)
You will need to be prepared to discuss:
- alternative forms of contraception
- maintaining effective contraception when switching between brands or between different contraceptives
- following the 7-day rule when switching between brands.
BPAC provides guidance for health professionals about other funded contraceptive options.
Read Contraception: Which option for which patient – BPACnz website(external link)
Information for pharmacists
The supplier, Pfizer, has a supply issue with Brevinor 1/28 (pharmacode 303542) and has been unable to source an alternative brand that is chemically equivalent. This means that people taking Brevinor 1/28 who need more medicine will need to see their prescriber to discuss what other alternatives are available.
We recommend you discuss:
- the need to go back to their prescriber for a new prescription
- how to maintain effective contraception when switching between brands or between different contraceptives
- following the 7-day rule when switching between brands
Who to contact
If you have questions about this out of stock, contact Pfizer on 0800 736 363.
Comprehensive clinical information for prescribers on contraception is available via Bpac.
If you have questions about funding criteria you can:
- email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
- phone 0800 660 050