Prochlorperazine (Buccastem): Supply issue
Due to a manufacturing issue, prochlorperazine tab 3 mg buccal (Buccastem 340537) is out of stock.
17 May 2024 update
Buccastem brand prochlorperazine will not be returning to the market. Max Health, the supplier, is seeking Medsafe-approval for the Brown and Burk brand. Approval is unlikely to be complete until early 2025.
About the issue
Max Health are out of stock of Buccastem (pharmacode 340537). The supply issue was initially caused by a certification issue at the manufacturing plant and another supplier had discontinued a product needed for Buccastem.
Brand changing from Buccastem
Max Health cannot bring Buccastem brand of buccal prochlorperazine back onto the market. It is seeking Medsafe registration for Brown and Burke prochlorperazine buccal tablets. This will likely be completed in early 2025.
Stock of the Brown and Burk prochlorperazine buccal tablets is currently being supplied by Max Health under section 29 of the Medicines Act.
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 any questions about the Buccastem supply issue, contact Max Health: 09 815 2664
You can email us on enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
(Please include details on which product you are emailing about).
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