Oxycodone (OxyNorm) immediate release capsules: Supply issue
Supply of the oxycodone immediate release capsules is constrained.
13 June 2024 update
The new supplier of oxycodone capsules expects all strengths of immediate release tablets to be available by early July 2024.
This means there will be a brief out of stock of the 10 mg strength. People can use two 5 mg capsules instead. There is enough stock of the 5 mg capsules to ensure people can continue to access this treatment until the new brand arrives.
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)
Supply status
Supply is constrained for oxycodone immediate release formulations. Pharmac is expecting gaps in supply of oxycodone immediate release capsules from the end of May until July 2024.
| Presentation | STOCK AVAILABLE UNTIL * | PHARMACODE |
|---|---|---|
| Cap 5 mg Immediate release () | mid-July 2024 | 2179741 |
| Cap 10 mg immediate release | out of stock | 2179768 |
| Cap 20 mg immediate release | early September 2024 | 2179776 |
* This is the date stock will likely run out with the supplier, stock will remain available from wholesalers for another week or two after this date.
There is also a supply issue affecting the oxycodone oral liquid
Alternative supply expected 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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