Testosterone (Depo-Testosterone and Sustanon) injections: Supply issue resolved

Reason for the supply issues

Depo-Testosterone

Pfizer notified Pharmac of a supply interruption for their Depo-Testosterone injection. The interruption was caused by manufacturing constraints in the USA. The site that makes Depo-Testosterone is being used to make COVID-19 related products. This has meant that they have had to reduce the volume of other medicines they make at this site.

Sustanon Ampoules 

The supply issue with Depo-Testosterone in turn increased demand for Sustanon Ampoules, which lead to a supply issue. 

Timeframes

As at 9 February 2023, Depo-Testosterone, Taro-Testosterone and Sustanon Ampoules were available and remain funded.

Alternative product

Pharmac listed a section 29 alternative brand of testosterone inj 100 mg per ml from 9 September 2022. 

• Chemical: Testosterone cipionate
• Presentation: inj 100 mg per ml, 10 ml vial
• Brand: Taro-Testosterone
• Pack size: 1
• Subsidy: $393.00
• Pharmacode: 2645149

Schedule listing for testosterone(external link)

Prescribing and supplying a medicine under section 29

Section 29 of the Medicines Act 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 – e.g., doctors. 

We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. This is the only alternative available to ensure people can continue to access treatment. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 medicines – Medsafe website(external link)

What patients need to know about section 29 medicines – Health Navigator website(external link)

People who receive testosterone

If your usual testosterone injection is not available, you will need to talk to your prescriber about which alternative treatment is best for you.

We know that changing treatments is not ideal. We are sorry about any inconvenience caused by this supply issue.  

Who to contact

If you have any questions about Depo-Testosterone, call Pfizer Customer Services on 0800 736 363

If you receive Depo-Testosterone, talk to the person who prescribed the treatment. They know you and your clinical circumstances best and can advise on the best alternative for you.

If you have questions about the funding of testosterone injections, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz