Octreotide 50, 100, and 500 mcg per ml ampoules: Supply issue
There is a supply issue affecting 50 mcg/ml ampoules (Pharmacode 2629534).
24 July 2025 | Update
We understand that the Octreotide GH 50 mcg product (Pharmacode: 2595907) has run out. Stock of the Omega brand (Pharmacode: 2695375) in vials remains available.
Affected products
The supplier for octreotide injection (Max Health) advised it is facing increasing difficulty sourcing octreotide. Stock of the 50 mcg per ml ampoule remains unavailable. There was an issue affecting the 100 and 500 mcg per ml ampoules, but these have been resupplied.
| Chemical | Presentation | Brand | Pharmacode | Subsidy | Measure/Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octreotide | inj 50 mcg per ml, 1 ml ampoule | Max Health | 2629534 | $27.58 | per 5 |
Schedule listing for octreotide(external link)
Alternative product
Max Health has an alternative that is listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. It is not Medsafe approved, meaning they need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. The Omega brand comes in a vial, not an ampoule like the registered product.
| Chemical | Presentation | Brand | Pharmacode | Subsidy | Measure/Qty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octreotide | Inj 50 mcg per ml, 1 ml vial | Omega | 2695375 | $27.58 | per 5 |
Expected resupply
Pharmac is working closely with Max Health to ensure this treatment remains available to New Zealanders.
The 100 mcg (Pharmacode: 2629518) and 500 mcg (Pharmacode: 2629526) ampoules were resupplied in April 2025. We are working with the supplier to understand when the registered 50 mcg product will be available again.
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.
Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)