Nutricia: supply issue – multiple products (updated 6 Dec 2021)
There is a supply issue affecting a number of Nutricia food products.
Resupply delayed until January 2022
Due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on global supply chains Nutricia has advised us that there is a delay in the arrival of incoming shipments for a number of special foods products. This means that there is likely to be supply issues with some Nutricia products until January 2022.
A sea shipment with 15 containers' worth of product arrived in New Zealand in late November. As at 6 December 2021, stock was still being booked into Nutricia’s warehouse. Due to the large quantity of products it will take time for all of the stock to be available. Nutricia expect all stock to be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
To help increase supplies of some products that have been impacted by the delays, Nutricia is waiting for additional supplies via airfreight from Europe and its next sea shipment; however, it is anticipated that supply issues will continue into January 2022.
Information for prescribers
Please do not make prescriptions brand and/or flavour specific. This will allow flexibility for pharmacists when dispensing.
If you need advice about alternative products available from Nutricia, please contact your Nutricia Representative.
Alternative products
There are supply issues with the following products. They were updated on 6 December 2021 with current stock holdings and anticipated resupply date.
We have received clinical advice that there are possible alternative products that may work in the short term. Not all alternative products will be suitable for all situations.
Click the title to see information about the alternative for the affected product.
- Affected pharmacodes 2492997, 2577410, 2577429
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November 2021)
- Stock situation:
- Aptamil AllerPro SYNEO 1 and 2: +4 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Aptamil Gold+ Pepti Junior: 1-3 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Resupply date: mid-to-late January 2022
- Funding criteria SA1557 [PDF](external link)
Alternative to consider
Neocate Gold and Neocate Syneo
From 1 December 2021, prescribers can submit an Initial Special Authority for Neocate Gold and Neocate Syneo.
This Special Authority criteria will allow patients who usually access extensively hydrolysed formula access to an amino acid formula as an alternative.
The new Initial Special Authority criteria change is temporary as a result of the Nutricia Supply Issues.
- Schedule listings for Neocate Gold(external link) and Neocate Syneo(external link) (Use SA form linked from the listing)
- HML listings for Neocate products(external link) (Use checklist (RS number) linked in the listing)
- Affected pharmacodes: 2222051, 2253933, 2253941
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November). It's expected to be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation: Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December) – small amount of additional stock being processed for sale.
- Estimated resupply date: early January 2022
- Current funding criteria: SA1523 [PDF](external link), RS1468 [PDF](external link)
Alternative products to consider
MCT Oil
- pharmacode: 413933
- Schedule listing for MCT oil(external link)
- Special Authority form SA1523 [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for MCT oil(external link)
- Hospital checklist RS1468 [PDF](external link)
- Monograph in NZF for MCT oil(external link)
Vegetable oils
- Such as rapeseed or sunflower oil – over the counter
Clinical considerations
Please reserve/prioritise Calogen for breast-fed babies and patients using Calogen as part of a modular/ketogenic diet, if possible.
Significant clinical and dietetic oversight is likely to be required for management of these patients.
- Affected pharmacodes: 2224429, 2224437
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November 2021)
- Stock situation: 1–3 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Resupply date: early January 2022
- Funding criteria SA1095 [PDF](external link)
Alternatives to consider
Nutren Diabetes
- Fully funded from 1 December 2021 (temporary Schedule change for this supply issue)
- Pharmacode 2605570
- Supplied by Nestlé
- Schedule listing for Nutren Diabetes(external link)
- Special Authority form SA1095 [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for Nutren Diabetes(external link)
- Hospital checklist RS1215 [PDF](external link)
- Affected pharmacode: 2450828
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November). It is expected to be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation: Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: early January 2022
- Current funding criteria: SA1108 [PDF](external link) RS1232 [PDF](external link)
Alternative products to consider
- We are urgently sourcing additional or alternative stock
- No funded alternative products have been identified.
Clinical considerations
Any change in product would likely need significant dietetic management.
- Affected pharmacodes: 2450771
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November 2021)
- Stock situation:
- Grapefruit – resolved, no supply issue
- Orange/Pineapple – 1–3 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Summer Fruits – 1–3 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: Early January 2022
- Current funding criteria: (SA1377) [PDF](external link) RS1216 [PDF](external link)
Alternative products to consider
Vivonex TEN (1 kcal/ml)
- Pharmacode: 2494450
- Supplied by: Nestlé
- Special Authority form (SA1377) [PDF](external link)
- Schedule listing for Vivonex TEN(external link)
- Hospital checklist (RS1216) [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for Vivonex TEN(external link)
- Monograph in NZ Formulary for Vivonex TEN(external link)
Vital (1.5kcal/ml)
- Affected pharmacode: 2601427
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November). It is expected to be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation: Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: Early January 2022
- Funding criteria: SA1099 [PDF](external link), RS1227 [PDF](external link)
Alternative products to consider
Renastart
- Only a small amount of stock is available to cover this supply issue
- Funding available through NPPA.
- Pharmacode TBC
- Supplier – Vitaflo (distributed via CDC Pharmaceuticals)
For funded access, prescribers will need to email the NPPA inbox NPPA@pharmac.govt.nz with the following details:
- Patient details (NHI, DOB, Gender, Name, DHB)
- Applicant details (NZMC, Name, Department/DHB, Email, Fax/Phone)
- Pharmaceutical and treatment plan (Pharmaceutical, Strength, Dosage regimen)
- Dispensing pharmacy details (Name, Address, Fax/Phone, Email, DHB)
- Confirmation the patient was previously receiving Kindergen.
- Affected pharmacode 2441241
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November 2021)
- Stock situation: +4 weeks stock remaining
- Estimated resupply date: late December 2021
- Funding criteria SA1523 [PDF](external link), RS1468 [PDF](external link)
Alternative products to consider
MCT Oil
- pharmacode: 413933
- Special Authority form (SA1523) [PDF](external link)
- Schedule listing for MCT oil(external link)
- Hospital Checklist (RS1468) [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for MCT oil(external link)
- Monograph in NZF for MCT oil(external link)
Coconut oil
- Over the counter
Clinical considerations
Please prioritise patients where over-the-counter options are not suitable. These may include patients that are at high risk for liver disease, protein losing enteropathy, or ketogenic patients.
Significant clinical and dietetic oversight is likely to be required for management of these patients.
- Affected pharmacodes: 2558394, 2224461, 2224453, 2224445
- Some additional stock of all flavours arrived via sea (end of November). It is expected to be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation:
- Chocolate (2224461) – Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Vanilla (2224445) – Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Strawberry (2224453) – 1–3 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: Early January 2022
- Funding criteria SA1379 [PDF](external link), RS1473 [PDF](external link)
Alternative product to consider
Pediasure, Paediatric oral feed
- pharmacode: 367958
- Special Authority form (SA1379) [PDF](external link)
- Schedule listing for Pediasure(external link)
- Hospital Checklist (RS1473) [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for pediasure(external link)
Consider alternative paediatric oral feeds.
- Affected pharmacodes: 2224496, 2224488
- Some additional stock of all flavours arrived via sea (end of November) and is being processed so that it is ready for sale expected to be completed by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation: Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: Early January 2022
- Funding criteria SA1379 [PDF](external link), RS1473 [PDF](external link)
Alternative product to consider
Pediasure, Paediatric oral feed
- pharmacode: 367958
- Special Authority form (SA1379) [PDF](external link)
- Schedule listing for Pediasure(external link)
- Hospital Checklist (RS1473) [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for pediasure(external link)
Consider alternative paediatric oral feeds.
- Affected pharmacodes: 2220857, 2220830, 2220849, 2220822
- Some additional stock of all flavours arrived via sea (end of November). It's expected they will be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation:
- Vanilla (2220822) – +4 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Strawberry (2220849) – +4 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Chocolate (2220830) – Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Banana (2220857) – Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: Early January 2022
- Funding criteria SA1859 [PDF](external link), RS1214 [PDF](external link)
Funded alternatives to consider
All products use the same Special Authority form – SA1859 [PDF](external link) and Hospital Checklist – RS1214 [PDF](external link)
Ensure (powder)
- Pharmacodes: 2504316, 2504324
- Schedule listing for Ensure (powder)(external link)
- HML listing for Ensure powder(external link)
Ensure Plus (liquid)
- Pharmacodes: 234885, 234680, 234893, 234672, 308455
- Schedule listing Ensure Plus liquid(external link)
- HML listing Ensure Plus liquid(external link)
Ensure Plus HN (can)
- Pharmacode: 2372665
- Schedule listing Ensure Plus HN (can)(external link)
- HML listing Ensure Plus HN (can)(external link)
Sustagen Hospital Formula Active (powder)
- Pharmacode: 2539004
- Schedule listing Sustagen Hospital Formula Active (powder)(external link)
- HML listing Sustagen Hospital Formula Active (powder)(external link)
Unfunded alternatives (available at some supermarkets)
- Vitaplan
- Complan
- High-protein milk drinks, such as UP&GO energize
- Affected pharmacodes: 2224399, 2224402, 2224410
- Some additional stock of all flavours arrived via sea (end of November). It's expected they will be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation:
- Chocolate (2224399) – Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Vanilla (2224410) – 3 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Strawberry (2224402) – Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: Early January 2022
- Funding criteria SA1859 [PDF](external link), RS1214 [PDF](external link)
Funded alternatives to consider
All products use the same Special Authority form – SA1859 [PDF](external link) and Hospital Checklist – RS1214 [PDF](external link)
Ensure (powder)
- Pharmacodes: 2504316, 2504324
- Schedule listing for Ensure (powder)(external link)
- HML listing for Ensure powder(external link)
Ensure Plus (liquid)
- Pharmacodes: 234885, 234680, 234893, 234672, 308455
- Schedule listing Ensure Plus liquid(external link)
- HML listing Ensure Plus liquid(external link)
Ensure Plus HN (can)
- Pharmacode: 2372665
- Schedule listing Ensure Plus HN (can)(external link)
- HML listing Ensure Plus HN (can)(external link)
Sustagen Hospital Formula Active (powder)
- Pharmacode: 2539004
- Schedule listing Sustagen Hospital Formula Active (powder)(external link)
- HML listing Sustagen Hospital Formula Active (powder)(external link)
Unfunded alternatives (available at some supermarkets)
- Vitaplan
- Complan
- High-protein milk drinks, such as UP&GO energize
Clinical considerations
An additional fibre supplement maybe needed.
- Pharmacode: 2601443
- Stock situation: Restricted supply
- Estimated resupply date: TBC
- Current funding criteria: SA1525 [PDF](external link) RS1470 [PDF](external link)
Alternative products to consider
Chyle leak
- Peptisorb
- Aptamil Gold+ Pepti Junior
- Nutrini Peptisorb (all 50% MCT)
Protein loosing enteropathy
- Alfamino Junior + Liquigen
- Pharmacodes 2510537 + 2441241
- Special Authority forms (SA1940) [PDF](external link) and (SA1523) PDF(external link)
- Schedule listings for Alfamino Junior(external link) + Liquigen(external link)
- Hospital checklist RS1765 [PDF](external link) and RS1468 [PDF](external link)
- HML listings for Alfamino Junior(external link) + Liquigen(external link)
- Monograph in NZ Formulary for Liquigen(external link)
For LCFAODs
- Emsogen (AA, 83% MCT)
Clinical considerations
Clinical requirement for MCT varies by indication. Significant clinical and dietetic oversight is likely to be required for management of these patients.
- Affected pharmacode: 2016680
- Stock situation: 1-3 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: Early January 2022
- Funding criteria SA1859 [PDF](external link), RS1214 [PDF](external link)
Jevity HiCal is dual listed with Nutrison Energy MF. Due to the Nutricia supply issue, there is now a supply issue with Jevity HiCal.
About the Jevity HiCal supply issue
Alternative products to consider
All products use the same Special Authority form – SA1859 [PDF](external link) and Hospital Checklist – RS1214 [PDF](external link)
Nutrison energy
- Pharmacode: 413763
- Schedule listing for Nutrison Energy(external link)
- HML listing for Nutrison Energy(external link)
Nutrison Multi Fibre
- Affected pharmacodes: 2594889
- Stock situation: Resolved + 2 months stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Funding criteria SA1953 [PDF](external link), RS1775 [PDF](external link)
- Affected pharmacode: 2572990
- Stock situation: Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: Late December 2021
- Current funding criteria: RS1214(external link)
Alternative products to consider
Nutrison energy
- Pharmacode 413763
- Hospital checklist RS1214 [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for Nutrison Energy(external link)
- Monograph in NZ Formulary for Nutrison Energy(external link)
Nutrison Standard with additional protein flushes
Nutrison Standard
- Pharmacode 414018
- Hospital checklist (RS1469) [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for Nutrison Standard RTH(external link)
- Monograph in NZ Formulary for Nutrison standard(external link)
Protein flush: Protifar
- Pharmacode: not available. Listed as example brand in the HML.
- Hospital checklist RS1469 [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for Protifar(external link)
- Monograph in NZ Formulary for Protifar(external link)
- Example brand for high protein enteral feed 1.25 kcal/ml in HML
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November). It's expected to be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation: 1-3 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: early January 2022
- Funding criteria: RS1327(external link)
Alternative products to consider
Nutrison energy
- Pharmacode 413763
- HML listing for high protein enteral feed 1.25 kcal/ml(external link)
- Hospital checklist for RS1214 [PDF](external link)
Nutrison standard with additional protein flushes
- Pharmacode 414018
- HML listing for high protein enteral feed 1.25 kcal/ml(external link)
- Hospital checklist for RS1214 [PDF](external link)
Protein flush: Protifar
- Pharmacode: not available. Listed as example brand in the HML.
- Hospital checklist RS1469 [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for Protifar(external link)
- Monograph in NZ Formulary for Protifar(external link)
Clinical considerations
Please reserve Nutrison Protein Plus for ICU patients.
- Example brand for high protein enteral feed 1.28 kcal/ml in HML
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November). It's expected to be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation: 1-3 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: early January 2022
- Funding criteria RS1327(external link)
Alternative products to consider
Nutrison energy
- Pharmacode 413763
- HML listing for high protein enteral feed 1.25 kcal/ml(external link)
- Hospital checklist for RS1214 [PDF](external link)
Nutrison standard with additional protein flushes
- Pharmacode 414018
- HML listing for high protein enteral feed 1.25 kcal/ml(external link)
- Hospital checklist for RS1214 [PDF](external link)
Protein flush: Protifar
- Pharmacode: not available. Listed as example brand in the HML.
- Hospital checklist RS1469 [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for Protifar(external link)
- Monograph in NZ Formulary for Protifar(external link)
Jevity Plus
- Pharmacode 2217139
- Supplied by Abbott
- HML listing for Jevity Plus(external link)
- Hospital checklist for RS1214 [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for high protein enteral feed 1.25 kcal/ml(external link)
Other products in the Nutrison Muiltifibre range
Clinical considerations
Please reserve Nutrison Protein Plus MF for ICU patients.
- Affected pharmacode: 2016168
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November). It's expected to be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation: 1-3 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: Early January 2022
- Funding criteria SA1379 [PDF](external link), RS1473 [PDF](external link)
Alternative products
Pediasure RTH
- Pharmacode: 367958
- Special Authority form (SA1379) [PDF](external link)
- Schedule listing for Pediasure RTH(external link)
- Hospital checklist (RS1473) [PDF(external link)]
- HML listing for Pediasure RTH(external link)
Pediasure 250 ml can or 200 ml bottle
- can be decanted into a 500ml
- Pharmacodes: 2444879, 2444860
- (external link)Special Authority form (SA1379) [PDF](external link)(external link)
- Schedule listing for Pediasure 250 ml can or 200 ml bottle(external link)
- Hospital checklist (RS1473) [PDF(external link)]
- HML listing for Pediasure 250 ml can or 200 ml bottle(external link)
Nutrison or Osmolite enteral feed 1kcal/ml
- May be suitable for some older children
- Pharmacode: 414018, 2217155
- Special Authority form (SA1859) [PDF](external link)
- Schedule listing for enteral feed 1 kcal/ml(external link)
- Hospital checklist (RS1473) [PDF(external link)]
- HML listing for enteral feed 1 kcal/ml(external link)
Clinical considerations
Change to this product will likely need significant dietetic management.
The recommended alternatives to Nutrini RTH 500ml OP (Paediatric enteral feed 1kcal/ml) have higher protein content.
- Affected pharmacode 2601435
- Stock situation: Out of Stock (less than one week of stock remaining as at 19 November 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: TBC
- Funding criteria SA1036 [PDF](external link) RS1187 [PDF](external link)
Alternative products to consider
- We are urgently sourcing additional or alternative stock
- No alternative products.
Clinical considerations
Any change would need significant dietetic management.
We are permanently listing 2 extra flavours of PKU Lophlex Powders (berry and orange) from 1 December 2021. This decision allows for more treatment options for patients.
- Pharmacodes: 2593882 (berry) and 2593890 (orange)
- Availability: available immediately
- Affected pharmacode: 408050
- Some additional stock arrived via sea (end of November). It's expected to be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation: Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: January 2022
- Funding criteria SA1930 [PDF](external link) RS1467 [PDF](external link) (Polycal example brand in HML)
Unfunded alternative product to consider
Maltodextrin powder
- Pharmacodes: 2439379, 2439387
- Some additional stock of both flavours arrived via sea (end of November). They're expected to be ready for sale by 10 December 2021.
- Stock situation:
- Apricot (2439379) – Out of Stock, less than one week of stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Caramel (2439387) – +4 weeks stock remaining (as at 2 December 2021)
- Estimated resupply date: January 2022
- Funding criteria: SA1101(external link), RS1228(external link)
Alternative products to consider
Nepro HP
- Pharmacodes: 2457741, 2457768
- Supplied by Abbott
- Schedule listing for Nepro HP(external link)
- Special Authority form SA1101 [PDF](external link)
- HML listing for Nepro HP(external link)
- Hospital checklist RS1228 [PDF](external link)
- Monograph in NZ Formulary for Nepro HP(external link)
Novasource Renal
- Pharmacode 2012596
- Supplied by Nestlé
- Schedule listing for Novasource Renal(external link)
- Special Authority form SA1101 [PDF](external link) (not fully subsidised)
- HML listing for Novasource Renal(external link)
- Hospital checklist RS1228 [PDF](external link) (not fully subsidised)
- Monograph in NZ Formulary for Novasource Renal(external link)
- Example brand under amino acid formula (without phenylalanine and tyrosine)
- Stock situation: + 2 months available
- Funding criteria: RS1232 [PDF](external link)
- Nutricia NZ Stock Update as at 24 November 2021 [PDF 220 KB]
Thank you
We acknowledge the impact this disruption has on people. Thanks to all those across the healthcare sector who are supporting this work. We appreciate the work everyone is doing to minimise the impact of this disruption.
We will continue to update people as the situation evolves.
Who to contact
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this supply issue, contact the Nutricia Careline team:
- Phone: 0800 438 500
- Email: nutriciacareline@danone.com
If you have questions about the Nestlé product, email sarah.donnelly@au.nestle.com
If you have questions about Abbott products, Abbott Customer Service on 0800 737 115
If you have any funding questions about these products, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz