Mercaptopurine (Allmercap) Oral suspension 20 mg per ml: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

This issue was identified in December 2023 and the supplier has been providing a section 29 alternative.

Affected product

Link advised in December 2023 of an out of stock with the Allmercap brand.

  • Chemical: Mercaptopurine
  • Presentation: Oral suspension 20 mg per ml -- Retail pharmacy- Specialist
  • Brand: Allmercap
  • Pharmacode: 2545551
  • Subsidy: $428.00
  • Measure / Qty: per 100 ml OP

The tablet presentation is not affected by this supply issue.

HML Listing for mercaptopurine(external link)

Schedule listing for mercaptopurine(external link)

Alternative listed 1 July 2024

An alternative was sourced from the UK which is identical to the registered medicine. It is produced in the same facilities with the same manufacturing process as Allmercap. The only difference is the labelling and oral dosing syringes supplied with the product. However it is not Medsafe approved and as such will need to be prescribed and supplied in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.

  • Brand name: Xaluprine
  • Pharmacode: 2682257

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 resupply

The supplier cannot yet provide a date for the resupply of the registered product (Allmercap).

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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