Somatropin (Omnitrope) injection 5 mg cartridges: Supply issue resolved
A shipment of somatropin (Omnitrope) 5 mg injections (Pharmacode: 2461536), supplied by Sandoz, was delayed.
13 May 2026 | Stock has arrived
The supplier once again has stock of Omnitrope 5 mg cartridges. Stock has been released to wholesalers. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around New Zealand
Affected product
Due to an issue with a recent shipment, the supplier ran out of stock of the 5 mg presentation of somatropin (Omnitrope) in December 2025.
| Chemical | Brand | Presentation | Pharmacode | Subsidy | Measure/Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somatropin | Omnitrope | Inj 5 mg cartridge | 2461536 | $80.21 | per 1 |
The 10 mg and 15 mg cartridges were not affected by this issue.
Schedule listing for somatropin (Omnitrope)(external link)
Alternative product
Sandoz, the supplier, brought in an alternative from Australia, which was listed in the Schedule from 1 December 2025. The alternative was not Medsafe approved. This means it needed to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act.
This product is approved for use in Australia. The only differences are on the label and leaflet. The Australian label and leaflet have fewer indications on them.
In New Zealand, somatropin is approved to treat more people and conditions. Even if your condition isn’t listed on the label, you are still getting the same medicine.
Australian Consumer Medicine Information(external link)
| Chemical | Brand | Presentation | Pharmacode | Subsidy | Measure/Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somatropin | Omnitrope AU | Inj 5 mg cartridge | 2648415 | $80.21 | per 1 |
Resupplied May 2026
The New Zealand-registered somatropin arrived with the supplier in May 2026. Stock has been released to wholesalers. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around New Zealand.
Who to contact
If you have questions about the funding for this product, 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)