Oxycodone (OxyNorm) immediate release capsules: Supply issue resolved

Review prescribing practice

We have 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)

Alternative supply available from July 2024

We have sourced a supply of oxycodone immediate release tablets. We expect stock to be available from the new supplier in early July 2024. 

These will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 July as section 29 medicines. The supplier will be seeking Medsafe approval of this product to support longer term supply. 

• 5 mg tab (Pharmacode 2681919)
• 10 mg tab (Pharmacode 2681927)
• 20 mg (Pharmacode 2681935)  

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)

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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