Ipratropium nebuliser (500 mcg/2 ml): Supply issue resolved
Rex Medical advised that there was a supply issue with ipratropium nebuliser solution (Pharmacode 2154307).
24 January update
Ipratropium nebuliser is back in stock with the supplier. It may take time for the product to make its way through the supply chain to pharmacies.
Reason for the issue
Due to a significant increase in demand, stock levels of ipratropium nebuliser solution (Pharmacode 2154307) were depleted. There were also some technical issues at the manufacturing plant which slowed the resupply of this product.
Schedule listing for ipratropium nebuliser solution(external link)
Alternative product
Pharmac and Rex Medical sourced an alternative product. This product was listed in the Schedule from 5 August 2022 as a section 29 medicine. We will delist the product in due course.
Listed alternative for ipratropium bromide:
- Presentation: Nebuliser soln, 250 mcg per ml, 2 ml ampoule
- Brand: Accord
- Pack Size: 20
- Subsidy and price: $28.20 (ex-man., ex. GST)
- Pharmacode: 2643154
Schedule listing for ipratropium bromide(external link)
Prescribing and supplying a medicine under section 29
Section 29 of the Medicines Act 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 – e.g., doctors.
We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. This is the only alternative available to ensure people can continue to access treatment.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 medicines – Medsafe website(external link)
What patients need to know about section 29 medicines – Health Navigator website(external link)
Who to contact
If you have questions about the funding for this product, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.