Gentamicin sulphate (Pfizer) Inj 40 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule: Supply issue
Pfizer is expecting a supply issue with the gentamicin inj 40 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoules (Pharmacodes 771740 and 2498588)
14 February 2025 | Update
We have listed a fourth alternate (Gentamicin Amdipharm Pharmacode: 2700506). We expect Gentamicin Noridem to be unavailable from early March to mid-April 2025. We have listed Amdipharm to provide cover while Noridem is unavailable.
About the issue
Pfizer had regulatory changes planned for late 2024 which has led to an out of stock of their brand of gentamicin from November 2024.
| Presentation | Brand | Pharmacode | Subsidy | Measure / Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inj 40 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule | Pfizer | 771740 | $18.38 | per 10 |
This issue does not affect other presentations of gentamicin.
Schedule listing for gentamicin(external link)
HML listing for gentamicin(external link)
Alternative products
We have listed four alternative brands. None are Medsafe registered so will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.
For the Cidomycin P/Free brands, the vial will be listed in the Community Schedule only. The ampoules will be listed in the HML only. Both brands are supplied by CDC.
| Presentation | Brand | Preservative free | Pharmacode | Subsidy | Measure/Quantity | Listing information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inj 40 mg per ml, 2 ml vial | Cidomycin P/Free | Yes | 2695561 | $36.70 | per 5 | Community Schedule 1 December 2024 |
| Inj 40 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule | Cidomycin P/Free | Yes | 2695588 | $36.70 | per 5 | HML 1 December 2024 |
| Inj 40 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule | Gentamicin Noridem | No | 2687429 | $91.90 | per 50 | 1 October 2024 |
| Inj 40 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule | Gentamicin Amdipharm | Yes | 2700506 | $18.38 | per 10 | 1 March 2025 |
We understand that the Gentimicin Noridem brand is not suitable for use with a nebuliser, due to the presence of sodium metabisulphite.
Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine
Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 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 – such as, a doctor.
We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow patients to be able to access an appropriate treatment.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
Advice for prescribing under section 29 – BPAC website(external link)
Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 medicines – Medsafe website (external link)
Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)
What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)
Expected resolution
Pfizer expects the registered Gentamicin brand (Pharmacode 771740) will return to the market in July 2025.
Who to contact
You can email Pharmac on enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz