Bupivacaine hydrochloride with adrenaline (Marcain with Adrenaline): Hospital supply issue

Affected product

This is a global supply issue, supplies of this product are affected by a manufacturing plant issue. This product's availability has been highly variable over the last few years. 

Bupivacaine hydrochloride with adrenaline

• Brand: Marcain with Adrenaline
• Presentation: Inj 2.5 mg per ml with adrenaline 1:400,000, 20 ml vial
• Pharmacode: 2284189
• Price: $94.50
• Measure / Qty: per 5
  
  
• Presentation: Inj 5 mg per ml with adrenaline 1:200,000, 20 ml vial
• Pharmacode: 201405
• Price: $80.50
• Measure / Qty: per 5

HML listing for bupivacaine hydrochloride with adrenaline(external link)

Alternative product

Small shipments of the Marcain with Adrenaline brand are coming in. However, CDC has sourced alternatives which are available. 

Expected resupply

Aspen, the supplier, advises that a new manufacturing site has been built. They expect supply to return to normal by the end of 2024. Between now and then, pharmacists can expect to get either Marcain with Adrenaline or the CDC brand products.

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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