Somatropin (Omnitrope) injection 5 mg and 10 mg cartridges: Supply issue resolved

A shipment of somatropin (Omnitrope) injections, supplied by Sandoz, was delayed.

10 October 2024 update

Both the 5 mg and 10 mg cartridges have been released to wholesalers.

Affected product

Due to a delay in a shipment, the supplier was out of stock of the 10 mg and 5 mg presentations of somatropin (Omnitrope).

Chemical Brand Presentation Pharmacode Subsidy Measure/Quantity
Somatropin Omnitrope Inj 5 mg cartridge 2461536 $69.75 per 1
Somatropin Omnitrope Inj 10 mg cartridge 2461528 $69.75 per 1

The 15 mg cartridge was 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 already listed on the Schedule. The alternative is 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 S29 Inj 5 mg cartridge 2648415 $69.75 per 1
Somatropin Omnitrope S29 Inj 10 mg cartridge 2648407 $69.75 per 1

 

Resupplied

The New Zealand-registered somatropin is available from wholesalers again.

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.

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