Codeine (15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg tablets): Supply issue

Supply issue Active

Due to shipping delays, the supplier has limited supplies of all strengths of codeine.

Affected products

All three strengths of Noumed brand codeine are affected by a shipping delay.

Chemical: Codeine phosphate

Presentation Pharmacode Subsidy Measure / Qty Supply status
Tab 15 mg 2643200  $5.82 per 100 Low stock
Tab 30 mg 2643219  $6.88 per 100 No stock
Tab 60 mg 2643227 $13.89 per 100 Low stock

Schedule listing for codeine phosphate(external link)

Alternatives

Pharmac is working closely with the supplier and wholesalers to manage the supply issue. However, there will likely be times when codeine is not available. 

Prescribers, please consider alternative treatments where clinically appropriate.

Expected resolution

The next shipment is expected to arrive in mid-November. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks for product to reach pharmacies around New Zealand Aotearoa. 

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.

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