Pegfilgrastim (Ziextenzo) inj 6 mg per 0.6 ml syringe: Supply issue

Affected product

Due to issues with the packaging of the most recent shipment of Ziextenzo, Sandoz (the supplier) has a supply issue affecting:

Chemical: Pegfilgrastim

• Presentation: Inj 6 mg per 0.6 ml syringe
• Brand: Ziextenzo
• Pharmacode: 2643340 
• Subsidy: $65.00
• Measure / Qty: per 1

Alternative product

Sandoz is bringing in its Australian version of the product. It was listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 20 November 2024.

It is the same product, made in the same place, containing the same ingredients in the same quantities. The only difference is the packaging and labelling. Medsafe has reviewed the product and approved it for sale in New Zealand. 

Chemical: Pegfilgrastim

• Presentation: Inj 6 mg per 0.6 ml syringe
• Brand: Ziextenzo AU
• Pharmacode: 2696045
• Subsidy: $65.00
• Measure / Qty: per 1

It was initially listed as a section 29 medicine but has since been approved by Medsafe. The Schedule will show it as a s29 until the Schedule is updated for January 2025.  

We have developed a flier to support conversations with patients about this medicine

Information for pharmacists

This listing will show as section 29 in the Online Schedule until it is updated for 1 January 2025, however it is approved.

Sector Operations won’t be able to process claims for November dispensing of the above listings. Pharmacies can either:

• hold these claims until December OR 
• reclaim them in December when they are rejected for payment in November claims.

Expected resupply

The supplier, Sandoz, is working hard to fix the packaging problems. We expect the Medsafe-registered product to be available again in 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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