Tenecteplase: Supply issue closed

There is a global supply issue affecting tenecteplase (a hospital-only medicine).

25 August 2022 update

Boehringer Ingelheim now has sufficient stock of tenecteplase to supply the New Zealand market.

Stock is being allocated by Boehringer Ingelheim to ensure equitable supply of tenecteplase throughout the market, as the global shortage of this medicine continues.

About this issue

The supplier of tenecteplase, Boehringer Ingleheim, has informed Pharmac that there are limited supplies available to cover demand through 2022.

Pharmac has not been able to source another brand of tenecteplase.

Alternative product

We have received clinical advice that alteplase is an appropriate alternative. There is enough stock of alteplase to manage any change in usage.

About alteplase in the NZ Formulary(external link)

Medsafe datasheet for alteplase [PDF](external link)

The Stroke Network and Ministry of Health have:

  • circulated advice on the use of tenecteplase and alteplase to DHBs (letter dated 28 Jan 2021)
  • provided an update on supply of tenecteplase (letter dated 18 Feb 2021).

Download the advice from the Stroke Network and Ministry of Health