Desmopressin nasal drops: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

Due to manufacturing issues desmopressin nasal drops are in short supply. The supplier is unable to restock the drops until 2022.

Information for people taking desmopressin

The manufacturer can not supply more Minirin Nasal Drops until 2022. Instead, we're funding desmopressin wafers (called Minirin Melt). These will be funded from 1 January 2021.

If you are taking desmopressin, talk to your doctor or specialist to determine the best option for you.  

Key dates for prescribers and pharmacists:

  • 1 January 2021: Desmopressin wafers (Minirin Melt) listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
  • 1 January 2021: Funding criteria removed from all forms of desmopressin.

Information for prescribers

New presentation of desmopressin listed

On 1 January 2021 we're listing desmopressin wafers 120 mcg (Minirin Melt) on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. 

We hope that listing the wafers will help mitigate the shortage of desmopressin nasal drops. We understand that there may be limited stock of desmopressin nasal drops with some wholesalers. 

The Endocrinology Subcommittee of PTAC (the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee) has provided independent clinical advice. They advise that desmopressin wafers would be an appropriate alternative presentation.

Removal of funding restrictions for all desmopressin presentations

From 1 January 2021, we've removed the Special Authority criteria and Hospital Indication restrictions for desmopressin tablets and injections.

This will make it easier for patients to access all forms of desmopressin.

Information for pharmacists

We understand that there may be limited stock of desmopressin nasal drops with some wholesalers. 

From 1 January 2021

  • desmopressin wafers 120 mcg (Minirin Melt) listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. Pharmacode 2603268
  • Special Authority and Hospital Indication restrictions removed for all desmopressin presentations. 

Check the Schedule for desmopressin

Read the full notification of these changes

Who to contact

If you have any questions regarding the desmopressin wafer product you should contact the supplier, Pharmaco, on:

Pharmaco customer services:

Pharmaco regulatory/medical information team: