Prochlorperazine (Nausafix): Supply Issue resolved
The Medsafe-approved 5 mg Nausafix brand prochlorperazine tablets are in stock.
13 September 2024 | Update
Now that the registered product is available again, Nausafix s29 (pharmacode 2470445) will be delisted from 1 October 2024.
About the issue
Teva was out of stock of the 5 mg Nausafix brand prochlorperazine tablets (pharmacode 2528886). We listed Nausafix - s29 (pharmacode 2670445) from 28 November 2023.
Nausafix - s29 different Pharmacode
From 28 November 2023, Nausafix - s29 was funded. It has a new pharmacode, 2670445 and wastage applies.
Health care professionals, please counsel your patients that this product is from the same supplier, it has the same active ingredient in the same quantity as the previously supplied Nausafix. It will work in their body the same way as the original Nausafix.
The only change is to who supplies the active ingredient to the manufacturer.
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)
Why was Nausafix listed as s29?
Nausafix s29 was supplied without Medsafe approval to ensure people could still access treatment. Medsafe needed to review this product because the supplier of the active ingredient (API) had changed. The active ingredient was the same and in the same quantity.
The new API has been approved by Medsafe, the pharmacode will now change back to 2528886.
Key dates
28 November 2023 - Nausafix - s29 (Pharmacode 2670445) listed.
August 2024 - Nausafix to be approved by Medsafe. The pharmacode will revert to 2528886.
1 October 2024 - Nausafix - s29 (pharmacode 2470445) delisted
Who to contact
If you have any questions about the Nausafix supply issue, contact Teva(external link)
You can email us on enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
(Please include details on which product you are emailing about).
Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)