Ipratropium bromide nebulisers (Nebuliser soln, 250 mcg per ml, 2 ml ampoule): Supply issue

Affected product

Rex Medical, the supplier, is expecting to run out of the following product during July, until the next shipment arrives in September 2025

Chemical: Ipratropium bromide

• Presentation: Nebuliser soln, 250 mcg per ml, 2 ml ampoule 
• Brand: Univent
• Pharmacode: 2154307
• Subsidy: $11.73
• Measure / Qty: per 20

Schedule listing for the nebulisers(external link)

Alternative product

In preparation for the supply issue, we have listed an alternative from 1 June 2025. The alternative is not Medsafe registered.

• Brand: Accord
• Pharmacode: 2643154
• Pack size: per 20
• Subsidy: $11.73

Reserve the registered product for PSO

The Schedule allows for up to 40 nebulisers to be available on a PSO. We ask that, where possible, the registered product is reserved for use on PSO. 

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 resupply 

Rex Medical advises that the registered product will be available again in September 2025.

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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