Proctosedyl (suppositories): Supply issue
AFT (the supplier) has limited stock of Proctosedyl suppositories (Pharmacode: 208396)
Affected product
Due to an issue during transit, the supplier (AFT) has limited stock of the following product.
- Chemical: Hydrocortisone with cinchocaine
- Presentation: Suppos Hydrocortisone 5 mg with cinchocaine hydrochloride 5 mg per g
- Brand: Proctosedyl
- Pharmacode: 208396
- Subsidy: $11.24
- Measure / Qty: per 12
Schedule listings for Proctosedyl(external link)
Alternative product
The Proctosedyl ointment (Pharmacode: 208388) is available. There is a supply issue affecting Ultraproct suppositories which treat the same issues as Proctosedyl.
Scheriproct funded and available
Scheriproct was funded from 12 March 2026. Please note that it has a different mix of chemicals than Proctosedyl or Ultraproct. It has not been registered with Medsafe so needs to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A of the Medicines Act.
- Chemical: Prednisolone hexanoate with cinchocaine hydrochloride
- Presentation: Suppos Prednisolone hexanoate 1.3 mg with cinchocaine hydrochloride 1 mg per g
- Brand: Scheriproct
- Pharmacode: 2725509
- Subsidy: $8.61
- Measure / Qty: per 12
Section 29 and wastage apply
Schedule listing for Scheriproct(external link)
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 by their usual prescriber. Section 29A still applies even though the chemical is not identical because Scheriproct was listed to cover a supply issue.
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)
- General Supply Issue A5 Flier [PDF 111 KB]
Expected resupply
We are working with AFT, the supplier, to understand when Proctosedyl 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.
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