Prochlorperazine (Nausafix): Supply Issue
Teva 5 mg Nausafix brand prochlorperazine tablets are in stock. They have a new Pharmacode and are listed as s29.
About the issue
Teva was out of stock of the 5 mg Nausafix brand prochlorperazine tablets (pharmacode 2528886). The new Nausafix - s29 (pharmacode 2670445) is listed from 28 November 2023.
Why Nausafix is listed as section 29
Prochlorperazine – AA (pharmacode 2665905) was funded to temporarily cover the supply shortage of Nausafix. The supplier is now out of stock.
New Nausafix - s29 available with new 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 is Nausafix now listed as s29?
Nausafix s29 is now being supplied. It is not currently Medsafe approved because the supplier of the active ingredient (API) has changed. The active ingredient remains the same and in the same quantity.
Once the new API has been approved by Medsafe, the pharmacode will change back to 2528886.
Key dates
28 November 2023 - Nausafix - s29 (Pharmacode 2670445) listed.
mid to late 2024 - Nausafix to be approved by Medsafe. The pharmacode will revert to 2528886.
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)