Irinotecan hydrochloride (Inj 20 mg per ml, 5 ml vial): Hospital supply issue
The supplier has run out of irinotecan hydrochloride (Inj 20 mg per ml, 5 ml vial) Pharmacode: 2621177.
Affected product
Accord, the supplier, has run out of the following product.
Irinotecan hydrochloride
- Presentation: Inj 20 mg per ml, 5 ml vial
- Brand: Accord
- Pharmacode: 2621177
- Subsidy: $52.57
- Measure / Qty: per 1
HML listing for irinotecan hydrochloride(external link)
Alternative product
The alternative is a single-use 25 ml vial that was listed to support a previous supply issue. As the vial is single use, it may result in some wastage.
It is available to order from Accord. It is not approved by Medsafe so will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A of the Medicines Act.
- Brand: Accord
- Presentation: Inj 20 mg per ml, 25 ml vial
- Pharmacode: 2711036
- Subsidy: $262.85
- Measure / Qty: per 1
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.
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.
What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)
Registered stock expected late May 2026
The supplier expects the registered 5 ml vial to be available again by the end of May 2026.
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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