Salbutamol inhaler (Respigen): Supply issue

Supply issue Active

The supplier of Salbutamol (Respigen) has advised a likely shortage until end March 2023 because of continued high demand and the availability of manufacturing materials.

3 March 2023 Update: Resupply date extended until early May 2023. 

Affected product

  • Chemical: Salbutamol
  • Presentation: Aerosol inhaler, 100 mcg per dose CFC free
  • Brand: Respigen
  • Pharmacode: 2272911

Schedule listing for salbutamol inhalers(external link)

Alternative products

SalAir (Pharmacode 2404516) and Ventolin (Pharmacode 2026414) are also listed in the Schedule and are the same strength. They are unaffected by the shortage.

Please note that Ventolin is only partially subsidised.

Expected resupply

The supplier expects normal supply to resume by early May 2023.

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.