Paracetamol (500 mg suppository): Supply issue
The supplier advises that there is limited supply of paracetamol 500 mg suppositories (Pharmacode: 2552663).
19 December 2024 | Update
A shipment has arrived. It will likely take one to two weeks to make its way to pharmacies around the motu.
A large shipment of the 250 mg suppository has also arrived. We understand that there may have been an issue with this strength as well, which is now resolved.
Affected product
The supplier advises that it is effectively out of stock of:
- Chemical: Paracetamol
- Presentation: Suppos 500 mg
- Brand: Gacet
- Pharmacode: 2552663
- Subsidy: $16.55
- Measure / Qty: per 50
Other strengths and presentations of paracetamol remain available.
Schedule listing for paracetamol(external link)
Alternative products
There is likely some stock in the supply chain, so we hope this issue may not reach patients. But we ask that people reserve the suppositories for those who cannot take other forms of paracetamol or other analgesics.
We have received clinical advice that patients may be able to use other forms of paracetamol or other analgesics.
Resupplied December 2024
A shipment has arrived. Stock will start flowing to wholesalers before Christmas. It will likely be available to pharmacies early 2025.
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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