Hydroxocobalamin inj 1 mg per ml (PanPharma): Supply issue

Affected product 

• Chemical: Hydroxocobalamin 
• Brand: Hydroxocobalamin Panpharma
• Presentation: Inj 1 mg per ml, 1 ml ampoule
• Pharmacode: 2637391

Schedule listing for hydroxocobalamin(external link)

Alternative product 

We are listing an alternative brand from 9 March 2023. It is not Medsafe-approved and will have to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.

• Chemical: Hydroxocobalamin 
• Brand: Vita-B12
• Presentation: Inj 1 mg per ml, 1 ml ampoule
• Pharmacode: 2603055

For pharmacists

This listing will not appear in the Online Schedule until it is updated for 1 April 2023.

RxOne users: the changes will be automatically updated by RxOne from the effective date. 

TONIQ users: the changes will automatically be updated in Toniq medicine databases from the effective date. 

The Sector Operations Group won’t be able to process claims for March dispensing of the above listing. Pharmacies can either:

• hold these claims until April OR
• reclaim them in April when they are rejected for payment in March claims.

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 section 29 medicines – Health Navigator website(external link) 

Availability

Stock is in Aotearoa/New Zealand. BNM are releasing the product to wholesalers by 10 March 2023. It will take longer for product to reach pharmacies, there are a number of things affecting local supply chains.

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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