Dexamethasone phosphate (Medsurge) Inj 4 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule: Supply issue

Affected product

Medsurge (the supplier) has had a manufacturing issue which has delayed the next shipment of this product: 

• Chemical: Dexamethasone phosphate
• Presentation: Inj 4 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule 
• Brand: Dexamethasone Medsurge
• Pharmacode: 2690535
• Subsidy: $10.98
• Measure / Qty: per 10

Schedule listing for dexamethasone phosphate(external link)

All other presentations of dexamethasone remain available.

Alternative product

The Inj 4 mg per ml, 1 ml ampoule (Pharmacode: 2690527) is available as an alternative.

Following a restriction on supply, betamethasone sodium phosphate with betamethasone acetate injections are available again. This may be a suitable alternative for some indications. It is partially funded.

NZF Formulary monograph for betamethasone sodium phosphate with betamethasone acetate(external link)

Resupply expected May 2026

Medsurge expects to have supply of the 2 ml ampoule available again in May 2026. Additional stock of the 1 ml ampoule has been sourced to make sure people can continue to access treatment.

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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