Pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys): Potential supply issue

Supply issue Active

Due to global shortages, Echo Therapeutics (the supplier) is closely managing the supply of pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pharmacode: 2162806). There is enough stock to meet demand in New Zealand.

Affected product

Echo Therapeutics (the supplier) is carefully managing supply of this product to ensure people in New Zealand can continue to access treatment. They have placed it on "scarce supply", which means they are manually allocating stock. This may cause short delays to filling orders.

  • Chemical: Pegylated interferon alfa-2a 
  • Presentation: Inj 180 mcg prefilled syringe
  • Brand name: Pegasys
  • Pharmacode: 2162806

Schedule listing for Pegasys(external link)

Information for pharmacies

If you are having difficulty accessing this product, please contact your wholesaler directly to get additional stock allocated.

There is enough stock to meet demand in New Zealand.

Information for patients 

Please order Pegasys from your pharmacy early. There may be delays in the supply chain between wholesalers and pharmacies.

Please ask your pharmacy to contact their wholesaler if you need your Pegasys now. If you are not using your normal pharmacy, please let it know if it needs to get stock allocated.

There is enough stock to meet demand in New Zealand.

Expected resolution

Echo Therapeutics are working to ensure this product remains available for everyone who needs it in New Zealand. We will update this page with more information as it becomes available.

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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