Oxycodone oral liquid: Supply update

Clarification Active

We understand oxcodone oral liquid, Oxycodone Lucis S29 (Pharmacode 2678500), has been difficult to access.

About this issue

Stock is being allocated to wholesalers and pharmacies every week. While there is ample stock in the country, its distribution is being delayed because of the overlabelling process. 

The company doing the over-labelling advises that it will increase its output. It may take time for the increase in stock to flow through to pharmacies.

Affected product

Oxycodone hydrochloride

  • Presentation: Oral liq 1 mg per ml
  • Brand: Oxycodone Lucis S29
  • Pharmacode: 2678500 
  • Subsidy: $37.08
  • Measure / Qty: per 250 ml
  • Unapproved medicine supplied under Section 29 and wastage applies.

This issue only affects the oral liquid presentation of oxycodone. All other funded presentations remain available.

Alternatives

We asked that the oxycodone was prioritised for people who cannot take morphine.

Clinicians needed to decide from the available options what the most suitable alternative was for their patient. We  advised that all other funded presentations of oxycodone were available and stock of the morphine oral liquid 1 mg per ml is available. 

  • If you cannot source oxycodone oral liquid, Amneal oxycodone tablets can be dispersed in water.
  • People will need a new prescription for oxycodone tablets.
  • Please include dispersing instructions on the label if appropriate.
  • 1 Amneal Oxycodone tablet can be dispersed in 6 – 7 ml of water and consumed immediately. Discard any remainder.

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)

People who to take oral liquid oxycodone

If you cannot access oral liquid oxycodone, you will need to talk to the person who prescribed it for you. They will need to look at the available alternatives and consider what will work best for you. 

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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