Gentamicin sulphate (DBL Gentamicin) Inj 10 mg per ml, 1 ml ampoule: Supply issue

Affected product

Supply of the following product is expected to run low before being restored to normal in early May 2025.

• Chemical: Gentamicin sulphate
• Presentation: Inj 10 mg per ml, 1 ml ampoule
• Brand: DBL Gentamicin
• Pharmacode: 619272
• Subsidy: $95.00
• Measure / Qty: per 5

There is also an issue affecting the 40 mg per ml, 2 mg ampoule

Schedule listing for gentamicin(external link)

HML listing for gentamicin(external link)

Alternative product

We have listed an alternative product from 1 May 2025, in case the supply situation worsens. It is not Medsafe registered so will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.

• Brand name: Gentamicin Hikma
• Strength and presentation: Inj 10 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule (i.e. 20 mg/2 ml per amp), 10 pack. This is a different ampoule size and pack size to the registered product, which is 1 ml ampoule x 5 pack.
• Packaging: dual language English and French.
• Pharmacode: 2705435
• Price: $190.00 per pack

We understand that the Gentimicin Hikma brand is not suitable for use with a nebuliser, due to the presence of sodium metabisulphite. If necessary, please reserve stock of the registered DBL Gentamicin product for people that cannot use the alternative brand until supply is restored. We are working on this urgently.

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)

Expected resolution

Pfizer expects the registered product to be available by early May 2025. 

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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