Somatropin (Omnitrope) injections: Supply issue resolved
There was a supply issue with somatropin (Omnitrope) injections, supplied by Sandoz.
31 January 2023
Registered somatropin is available from the supplier again. It may take a couple of weeks for supplies to make their way through the supply chain to pharmacies.
We will delist the alternative s29 product in due course.
Reason for the supply issue
Sandoz has had difficulty sourcing labelling and packaging materials. Sandoz sent a letter to health care providers to alert them to the issue in November 2022.
Affected product
All presentations of somatropin (Omnitrope) were affected by this supply issue.
- Inj 5 mg cartridge (Pharmacode 2461536)
- Inj 10 mg cartridge (Pharmacode 2461528)
- Inj 15 mg cartridge (Pharmacode 2461501)
Schedule listing for somatropin (Omnitrope)(external link)
Alternative product
Alternative Australian products were funded from 21 November 2022 with the same Special Authority restrictions. The products are made by the same manufacturer. They are the same formulations and same cartridges as the New Zealand pack.
The alternative is not Medsafe approved. This means it needed to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.
This product is approved for use in Australia. The only differences are on the label and leaflet. The Australian label and leaflet have fewer indications on them.
In New Zealand, somatropin is approved to treat more people and conditions. Even if your condition isn’t listed on the label, you are still getting the same medicine.
Australian Consumer Medicine Information(external link)
Sandoz and Pharmac worked together to ensure people could continue to access this important medicine.
Key dates
Mid-November 2022: Omnitrope solution for injection 10 mg cartridge out of stock
21 November 2022: Australian packs of somatropin (Omnitrope) inj listed and funded
Mid-December 2022: Omnitrope solution for injection 5 mg cartridge and 15 mg cartridge go out of stock
Late January 2023: All presentations of the New Zealand registered product will be available again
Who to contact
If you have questions about the funding for this product, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.