Noriday 28 (Norethisterone): Supply issue

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

Norethindrone Tablets USP (pharmacode 2685051) will be funded from 1 September 2024. They are not Medsafe-approved, so will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. 

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

Pharmac and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora are working on making a brand switch fee available to pharmacies to help them coach patients on this change. 

Norethisterone

• Presentation: Tablets 350 mcg 
• Brand: Norethinderone - CDC 
• Pharmacode: 2685051
• Subsidy: 12.25
• Measure / Qty: per 84
• Section 29 Wastage claimable

Expected resolution

The supplier, Pfizer, expects supply to return to normal by the end of December 2024.

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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