Octreotide 50 mcg and 100 mcg per ml ampoules: Supply issue resolved

Reason for the issue

The supplier for octreotide injection (Max Health) advised that due to the global shortage of CO2, there was a supply issue affecting the 50 mcg/ml and 100 mcg/ml presentations of octreotide. 

Affected product

Max Health has resupplied the the 50 mcg/ml presentation (Pharmacode 2629534) and 100 mcg/ml presentation (Pharmacode 2629518).

Stock was available of the section 29 alternative. 

There is ample stock of the 500 mcg/ml presentation (Pharmacode 2629526)

Schedule listing for octreotide(external link)

Alternative products 

100 mcg/ml 

Max Health also has the 100mcg alternative in the country, however this is not currently listed. Pharmac has requested that Max Health allocate remaining stock of their funded brand to community pharmacies, as hospitals are able to purchase the alternative brand before it is listed in the Schedule.

Octreotide inj 100mcg (Available for Hospital only)

• Chemical: Octreotide
• Presentation: Inj 100 mcg per ml, 1 ml ampoule
• Brand: Octreotide GH
• Pack size: 5
• Subsidy and price: $32.71
• Pharmacode: 2595885

Prescribing and supplying a medicine under section 29

Section 29 of the Medicines Act 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 – e.g., doctors. 

We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. This is the only alternative available to ensure people can continue to access treatment. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 medicines – Medsafe website(external link)

What patients need to know about section 29 medicines – Health Navigator website(external link)

Who to contact

If you have any queries regarding this supply issue, contact Max Health on 09 815 2664.