Octreotide long-acting (30 mg depot injections): Supply issue resolved

The change of principal supplier for octreotide depot injections is underway.

26 June 2024

We have been advised that some people have been unable to get long-acting octreotide 30 mg from their pharmacies. Novartis acknowledges that there have been some delays as they bring their New Zealand stock into the country. 

Novartis advises that stock is now in the country and aims to have it with pharmacies by Matariki, Friday 28 June 2024.

30 mg depot inj prefilled syringe

Stock of the 30 mg Octreotide Depot Teva injection is out of stock.  

We listed Novartis' Sandostatin LAR (pharmacode 2150859) from 23 May 2024 to ensure people can continue to access treatment. This is an early listing for the change of principal supplier.

Information for pharmacists 

Sandostatin LAR is now available to order from wholesalers.

The listing price for Sandostatin LAR is $670.80 per pack, this is less than Octreotide Depot Teva (which is $718.55 per pack) 

20 mg depot inj prefilled syringe

Due to a previous supply issue, this strength has already changed to Novartis' Sandostatin LAR 20 mg depot injection (Pharmacode 2150840). 

Price decrease from 1 July 

Pharmacists, please note there was a price change from 1 July – from $1,539.00 per pack to $583.70 per pack. 

10 mg depot inj prefilled syringe

There was a supply issue affecting this presentation earlier this year. Octreotide Depot Teva (2615320) is the currently supplied brand of 10 mg long-acting octreotide. The transition period to the new principal supplier will begin on 1 July 2024.

Price change for Sandostatin LAR from 1 July

From 1 July 2024, the list price for Sandostatin LAR (2150832) decreased from $1,152.00 to $438.40. Octreotide Depot Teva will be delisted from the Schedule on 1 December 2024. 

Information for health care professionals

Novartis have prepared an educational page which covers dosing and administration guidance, as well as some nursing resources to support the management of patients.

Sandostatin LAR dosing and usage information - Novartis website(external link) 

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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