Paracetamol (intravenous (IV) solution): Supply issue

Last Updated: 22 November 2023

Supply issue Active

Reason for supply issue

Fresenius Kabi, the supplier of IV paracetamol solution for injection/infusion 10 mg per ml 100 ml vial, has advised Pharmac that it is out of stock of the glass vials due to a delay with manufacturing. This is having a global impact, with Australia also facing an out of stock by the end of November.

Supply of IV paracetamol solution

There is about 1 week's stock of the IV paracetamol solution for injection/infusion 10 mg per ml, 100 ml vials in New Zealand.

Over the next few weeks, small shipments of paracetamol solution for injection/infusion 10 mg per ml, 100 ml bags are coming by air and sea freight. Each shipment will be about a week's worth of stock.

It is expected Te Whatu Ora Hospitals will be out of stock by the first week of December.

Fresenius Kabi expects the shortage to last until late December 2023.

We are investigating potential alternatives with other suppliers.

Affected product

Chemical: paracetamol
Presentation: intravenous (IV) solution for injection/infusion
Strength: 10 mg per ml, 100 ml vials
Brand: Kabi
Pharmacode: 2523965

Paracetamol Kabi schedule listing(external link)

Please note that IV paracetamol solution for injection/infusion 10 mg per ml, 100 ml vials is a hospital only medicine.

Unaffected products

All other presentations of paracetamol (500 mg tablets, 125 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg suppositories, and oral liquid 120 mg and 250 mg per ml) are not affected by this supply issue.

Clinicians will need to decide on the appropriate treatment course for their patients.

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.