Epoetin alfa (Binocrit) inj 3,000 iu in 1 ml: Supply constraint

Last Updated: 24 April 2026

Supply issue Active

Supply is limited because of an increase in demand and the long lead time needed to make more of this medicine (Pharmacode: 2559781).

Affected product

There have been recent supply constraints of other strengths of this product. There may be limited access to the following product:

All other strengths of epoetin alfa remain available.

The supplier has previously written to health care professionals with the following table and dosing advice.

Binocrit dose strengths and the corresponding quantity of epoetin alfa per mL
Binocrit dose strength	Filled volume	Total content of active ingredient	Concentration
1000 IU	0.5 ml	8.4 mcg	16.8 mcg/ml
2000 IU	1 ml	16.8 mcg	16.8 mcg/ml
3000 IU	0.3 ml	25.2 mcg	84 mcg/ml
4000 IU	0.4 ml	33.6 mcg	84 mcg/ml
5000 IU	0.5 ml	42 mcg	84 mcg/ml
6000 IU	0.6 ml	50.4 mcg	84 mcg/ml
8000 IU	0.8 ml	67.2 mcg	84 mcg/ml
10,000 IU	1 ml	84 mcg	84 mcg/ml
40,000 IU	1 ml	336 mcg	336 mcg/ml

The treating physician is required to assess the risk-benefit of switching to an alternative dose strength to ensure treatment remains uninterrupted.

Please note, for subcutaneous administration, dosing of a maximum volume of 1 mL should not be exceeded at any one injection site.

In case of larger volumes, the injection should be divided between more than one site.

We are working closely with the supplier to understand when this strength will be available again.

The supplier anticipates further supply limitations for Binocrit over the coming months.

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.