Heparin sodium Inj 1,000 iu per ml, 5 ml ampoule (Pfizer): Supply issue

Supply issue Active

Pfizer, the supplier, is currently experiencing a supply issue with its Pfizer brand Heparin (inj 1000 iu/ml 5 ml ampoule- Pharmacode 2339897).

Update 20 December 2024 

Pfizer has some stock of its registered brand Heparin sodium, inj 1,000 iu per ml, 5 ml ampoule. This is being reserved for patients that are unable to utilise the alternative brand listed below.

Affected product

Pfizer, the supplier, is currently experiencing a supply issue with:

  • Chemical: Heparin sodium
  • Presentation: Inj 1,000 iu per ml, 5 ml ampoule
  • Brand: Pfizer
  • Pharmacode: 2339897
  • Subsidy: $127.44
  • Measure / Qty: per 50

Schedule listing for heparin sodium(external link)

Listed alternatives

Preservative containing alternatives

An alternative was listed from 1 October 2024. It is not Medsafe-registered and will need to be dispensed and prescribed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.

NZF Guidance on benzyl alcohol as an excipient(external link)

  • Presentation: Inj 1,000 iu per ml, 10 ml vial
  • Brand: Pfizer
  • Pharmacode: 2692392
  • Subsidy: $127.44
  • Measure / Qty: per 25
  • Unapproved medicine supplied under Section 29. Wastage applies.

Note the Wockhart brands are being supplied and will be removed from the Schedule in 2025. 

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 people 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 resupply

Pfizer advises it expects the supply issue to be fully resolved June 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.

Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)