Gentamicin sulphate (Pfizer) Inj 40 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

Pfizer is expecting a supply issue with the gentamicin inj 40 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoules (Pharmacodes 771740 and 2498588)

26 September 2024 | Update

An alternative brand of gentamicin has been listed. However it cannot be nebulised, because it contains sodium metabisulphite. Pfizer is working to find preservative-free alternative. 

We ask that the Pfizer brand is reserved for people who need nebulised gentamicin.

About the issue

Pfizer has regulatory changes planned for late 2024 which lead to an out of stock of their brand of gentamicin from November 2024.

Presentation Brand Pharmacode Subsidy Measure / Quantity
Inj 40 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule Pfizer 771740 $18.38 per 10

This issue does not affect other presentations of gentamicin.

Schedule listing for gentamicin(external link)

HML listing for gentamicin(external link)

Alternative products

We have listed an alternate brand from 1 October 2024 to support this supply issue.

  • Brand: Gentamicin Noridem 
  • Pharmacode: 2687429
  • Subsidy: $91.90
  • Measure / Qty: per 50
  • Section 29 and wastage is claimable

We understand that this brand is not suitable for use with a nebuliser, due to the presence of sodium metabisulphite. We ask that stock of the Pfizer product is reserved for people who need it nebulised.

We are working with Pfizer on sourcing a preservative-free alternative.

Who to contact

You can email Pharmac on enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz