Octreotide 50 mcg per ml ampoules: Supply issue resolved

Reason for the supply issue

There was a temporary out of stock following unprecedented demand for this medicine during August/October 2022. In addition, there were freight delays of new stock due to staff shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resupplied

We are advised that stock of Max Health Octreotide 50mcg was resupplied in October 2022.

Alternative product was listed 5 August 2022

We listed a section 29 product to cover this stock outage:

• Chemical: Octreotide
• Presentation: Inj 50 mcg per ml, 1 ml ampoule
• Brand: Octreotide GH
• Pack size: 5
• Subsidy and price: $27.58
• Pharmacode: 2595907

Section 29 and wastage rules apply.

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)

Information for pharmacists

This listing will not appear in the Online Schedule until it is updated for 1 September 2022.

RxOne users: the changes will be automatically updated by RxOne from the effective date (5 August 2022). 

TONIQ users: the changes will automatically be updated in Toniq medicine databases from the effective date (5 August 2022). 

Please note that the Ministry of Health Sector Operations Group will be able to process these claims in August 2022 in the normal claim cycle.

Who to contact

If you have any questions, contact the Pfizer customer service team on 0800 736 363