Noriday 28 (Norethisterone): Supply issue

Last Updated: 25 September 2024

Supply issue Active

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

25 September 2024 | Update

Norethindrone Tablets USP are Medsafe registered from today. Which means they can once again be prescribed by any relevant prescriber. The Pharmaceutical Schedule will be updated to reflect this from 1 November 2024.

The A5 flier has been updated to reflect this change.

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) 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
Section 29 Wastage claimable

Packaging and blister pack for Norethindrone Tablets USP

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)

A5 flier about the temporary brand change

Noriday 28 | Supply issue brand change (Sep 24) [PDF 380 KB]

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.