Octreotide 50 mcg per ml ampoules: Supply issue
There is a supply issue affecting 50 mcg/ml ampoules (Pharmacode 2629534).
24 October 2025 | Update
The Max Health 50 mcg product is available again. We are continuing to monitor stock levels.
Affected products
The supplier for octreotide injection (Max Health) advised it is facing increasing difficulty sourcing octreotide. Stock of the 50 mcg per ml ampoule remains unavailable. There was an issue affecting the 100 and 500 mcg per ml ampoules, but these have been resupplied.
| Chemical | Presentation | Brand | Pharmacode | Subsidy | Measure/Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octreotide | inj 50 mcg per ml, 1 ml ampoule | Max Health | 2629534 | $27.58 | per 5 |
Schedule listing for octreotide(external link)
Alternative product
Max Health has an alternative that is listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. It is not Medsafe approved, meaning they need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. The Omega brand comes in a vial, not an ampoule like the registered product.
| Chemical | Presentation | Brand | Pharmacode | Subsidy | Measure/Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octreotide | Inj 50 mcg per ml, 1 ml vial | Omega | 2695375 | $27.58 | per 5 |
Registered product available
Max Health's 50 mcg strength is available again. We are continuing to monitor stock levels.
The 100 mcg (Pharmacode: 2629518) and 500 mcg (Pharmacode: 2629526) ampoules were resupplied in April 2025. We are working with the supplier to understand when the registered 50 mcg product will be available again.
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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