Proctosedyl (suppositories): Supply issue
Unfortunately, AFT (the supplier) has run out of Proctosedyl suppositories (Pharmacode: 208396)
Affected product
An expected shipment has been delayed. This has resulted in a supplier out of 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: $9.90
- Measure / Qty: per 12
There are only limited amounts still available at wholesalers.
Schedule listings for Proctosedyl(external link)
Alternative product
The Proctosedyl ointment (Pharmacode: 208388) is available. There is a supply issue affecting Ultraproct which treats the same issues as Proctosedyl.
Alternative listed from 12 March 2026
We listed an alternative, Scheriproct, from 12 March 2026. It should be available to order from the supplier by early April. Please note that it has a different mix of chemicals than Proctosedyl or Ultraproct. It has not been registered with Medsafe so is listed as a section 29 medicine.
- 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)
Information for pharmacists
This listing already appears in the Online Schedule.
- RxOne users: the changes will be automatically updated by RxOne from the effective date.
- ScriptSense users: the listing will be automatically updated by ScriptSense from the effective date
- TONIQ users: the changes will automatically be updated in Toniq medicine databases from the effective date.
Please note that the Sector Operations Group will be able to process these claims in March 2026 in the normal claim cycle.
- General Supply Issue A5 Flier [PDF 111 KB]
Expected resupply
AFT, the supplier, advises that the next shipment of Proctosedyl is due to arrive by mid-April. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the country.
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)