Oxycodone immediate release (5 mg and 10 mg tablets): Supply issue resolved
Due to unexpectedly high demand, there is a supply issue affecting the 5 mg and 10 mg oxycodone immediate release capsules.
20 November 2024 | Supply issue resolved
The latest shipment of the 5 mg and 10 mg oxycodone immediate release capsules has arrived and been released to wholesalers. It may take another 1 to 2 weeks before stock reaches pharmacies around the motu.
Affected products
Due to significantly higher than normal demand, there was a brief supply issue affecting two strengths of oxycodone immediate release tablets.
Oxycodone hydrochloride immediate release
| Strength | Brand | Pharmacode | Subsidy | Qty / per |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | Amneal | 2681919 | $13.77 | per 100 |
| 10 mg | Amneal | 2681927 | $18.77 | per 100 |
Alternatives
Unfortunately a direct alternative is not available. People will need to go back to the person who prescribed the oxycodone to find a suitable replacement treatment.
We know that supply issues can be frustrating. We apologise for any disruption this issue causes.
Information for pharmacists
We have developed a flier to support your conversations with patients.
- Nov 24 Oxycodone immediate release A5 flier [PDF 78 KB]
Information for prescribers
There are a range of funded opioids available. The New Zealand formulary offers information about each type and conversion tables that may be useful.
NZ Formulary | Opioid choice(external link)
We appreciate the disruption that supply issues create. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this issue.
Consider reviewing prescribing practice
We have also received clinical advice that it may be appropriate for clinicians to review their prescribing practice around opioids.
Revisiting opioid use in New Zealand: how does your prescribing compare? BPACnz(external link)
Expected resupply late November 2024
The next shipment is expected to arrive in New Zealand on 20 November 2024. It may take another one to two weeks for the stock to make its way to pharmacies around the motu.
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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