Heparin sodium inj 5,000 iu per ml, 5 ml ampoule: Brand change

What's changing?

The funded brand of heparin sodium injections (5,000 iu/ml 5 ml ampoules) is changing from Panpharma to Pfizer. You may have used the Pfizer brand before – it was the funded brand before 2023.

Medsafe has registered the Pfizer brand and it meets standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness. 

Same active ingredient

The Pfizer brand has the same active ingredient, in the same quantity, and it should work in your body the same way.

Differences  

The Pfizer brand:

• is in plastic ampoules
• comes in a pack of 50 

The Panpharma brand:

• comes in glass vials 
• comes in a 10-pack

Key dates

1 November 2025 | Pfizer brand funded from the Pharmaceutical Schedule

mid-late November 2025 | Panpharma stock likely to run out at the supplier

1 May 2026 | Panpharma brand will no longer be funded

Why is this happening?

Every year Pharmac runs a tender process to create competition among suppliers to supply many medicines used by New Zealanders. The tender helps Pharmac manage the costs of medicines.

Any savings we make are returned to the medicines budget to help pay for new medicines. 

Pharmac's Annual Tender

Information for pharmacists

Thank you for supporting people affected by this change. The Pfizer brand will be listed from 1 November 2025. Stock of Panpharma is likely to run out at the supplier by mid-November 2025. It won't be delisted until May 2026, to allow time to dispense and claim for Panpharma stock.

Also note the different pack size, Pfizer is a 50-pack. Where the Panpharma is a 10-pack.

Who to contact

If you have questions about this brand change, 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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