Omeprazole (Inj 40 mg ampoule): Supply issue

Affected product

• Chemical: Omeprazole
• Presentation: Inj 40 mg ampoule with diluent
• Brand: Dr Reddy's Omeprazole
• Pharmacode: 2310201
• Subsidy: $37.38
• Measure / Qty: per 5

Schedule listing for omeprazole ampoules(external link)

Unaffected products

Other presentations of omeprazole are unaffected by this issue. The 10, 20, and 40 mg capsules and powder omeprazole remain available. 

Section 29 alternative listed

The section 29 alternative has been previously supplied. It is now available to order from CDC.

• Chemical: Omeprazole
• Presentation: Inj 40 mg ampoule with diluent
• Brand: Ocicure
• Pharmacode: 2586908
• Subsidy: $37.38
• Measure / Qty: per 5

Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine

Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 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 – such as, a doctor. 

We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow patients to be able to access an appropriate treatment. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

Advice for prescribing under section 29 – BPAC website(external link) 

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

Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)

What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)

Expected resupply

The Dr Reddy's brand of omeprazole is expected to be out of stock until July 2024. 

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.  

Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)