Erythromycin (as lactobionate) inj 1g vial: supply issue
Due to manufacturing delays, Erythromycin (as lactobionate) inj 1g vial (Pharmacode: 2270234) is low in stock. Pharmac has funded new products to ensure continuity of supply
Affected product
- Chemical: Erythromycin (as lactobionate)
- Presentation: Inj 1 g vial
- Brand: Erythrocin IV
- Pharmacode: 2270234
- Subsidy: $10.00
- Measure / Qty: per 1
Schedule listing for Erythromycin (as lactobionate)(external link)
HML listing for Erythromycin (as lactobionate)(external link)
Alternative products
From 1 August Pharmac will fund two alternate products, erythromycin 1 g vial (Amdipharm) and erythromycin 500 mg vial (Eritrotex). The alternate brands are not a Medsafe approved product and should be prescribed and supplied in line with Section 29A of the Medicines Act.
Erythromycin 1 g vial
- Chemical: Erythromycin (as lactobionate)
- Presentation: Inj 1 g vial
- Brand: Erythromycin-Amdipharm
- Pharmacode: 2734125
- Subsidy: $125.95
- Measure / Qty: per 1
- Medsafe Approved: No (Section 29A medicine)
Erythromycin 500 mg vial
- Chemical: Erythromycin (as lactobionate)
- Presentation: Inj 500 mg vial
- Brand: Eritrotex
- Pharmacode: 2734117
- Subsidy: $59.95
- Measure / Qty: per 1
Medicine not Medsafe reviewed
Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine
Section 29A of the Medicines Act 1981 allows for medicines that are not Medsafe approved to be prescribed and supplied to people when there is supply issue affecting the registered brand.
We know supplying an unapproved medicine is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow people to continue to access an appropriate treatment.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
Expected resolution
We are working with the supplier to understand when the next shipment of the Medsafe-approved product will be available.
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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