Noriday 28 (Norethisterone): Supply issue

Supply issue Active

There is a supply issue affecting Noriday 28 oral contraceptive (Pharmacode 398322)

18 November 2024 | Update

Stock of Norethinderone is running low. Pfizer is bringing in some of its UK stock to ensure people can continue to access this product. The product is the same as the New Zealand Noriday 28, with some labelling differences. 

It has been approved by Medsafe for sale until the New Zealand product is available again.

Affected product

Due to an unexpected delay in sourcing the active ingredient, norethisterone, there is a supply issue affecting Noriday 28 Day oral contraceptive.

  • Chemical: Norethisterone
  • Presentation: Tab 350 mcg
  • Brand: Noriday 28
  • Pharmacode: 398322
  • Subsidy: $12.25
  • Measure / Qty: per 84

Schedule listing for Noriday 28(external link)

Three-month dispensing

All-at-once (stat) dispensing does not currently apply to this product. People can only collect three-months' supply at a time. We will reconsider all-at-once dispensing once the stock situation is resolved.

Alternative product

Noriday 28 UK 

From 1 December 2024, we are listing the UK version of Pfizer's Noriday 28 product. 

  • Brand: Noriday
  • Pharmacode: 2695618
  • Subsidy: $12.25
  • Measure / Qty: per 84

Medsafe has approved it for sale in New Zealand. 

Norethindrone

Norethindrone Tablets USP (pharmacode 2685051) was funded from 1 September 2024. They were Medsafe-approved from 25 September 2024.

This product comes from the United States. It contains the same active ingredient in the same quantity. However, it uses the American name for norethisterone, which is norethindrone. 

A brand switch fee will apply from 1 October 2024. 

Norethisterone

  • Presentation: Tablets 350 mcg 
  • Brand: Norethinderone - CDC 
  • Pharmacode: 2685051
  • Subsidy: 12.25
  • Measure / Qty: per 84
.
Packaging and blister pack for Norethindrone Tablets USP

A5 flier about the temporary brand change

Expected resolution

The supplier, Pfizer, expects supply to return to normal by January 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.

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