Decision to fund a new strength of thiamine hydrochloride injection
What we’re doing
We are pleased to announce that thiamine hydrochloride injection 50 mg per ml (2 ml ampoule) will be listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 April 2026 for use in Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals. Thiamine hydrochloride injection is a sterile solution of vitamin B1 used to treat or prevent conditions such as vitamin B1 deficiency or Wernicke’s encephalopathy. It is used when oral administration of thiamine is not possible and is administered by injection or infusion by a registered health professional.
Why we’re doing this
Pharmac currently lists thiamine hydrochloride injection 100 mg per ml (1 ml vial and 2 ml vials) and injection 125 mg per ml (2 ml vial) in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule. None of these line items have a contracted product and we understand most products meeting these descriptions are supplied under Section 29.
Thiamine hydrochloride injection 50 mg per ml was included in Pharmac’s 2024/25 Invitation to Tender as we were aware of supplier interest for this presentation and considered there would be benefit to having an approved, contracted thiamine hydrochloride injection product available for use in Health NZ Hospitals. The two current strengths of thiamine hydrochloride injections and the two strengths of thiamine hydrochloride tablets would remain listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule for those who need it.
As a result of this tender process, the decision has been made to award Principal Supply Status to the Thiamine Sterop brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection 50 mg per ml from 1 September 2026.
The listing of Thiamine Sterop on the Pharmaceutical Schedule would reduce the administrative burden for health care professionals and provide certainty of ongoing supply for the people who need thiamine injections.
About Vitamin B1 deficiency
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is an essential nutrient that supports nerve and muscle function. A deficiency in Vitamin B1 can occur when intake is low or absorption is impaired, such as in chronic alcohol use, malnutrition, or prolonged intravenous feeding without supplementation.
The management of vitamin B1 deficiency requires supplementation of thiamine. More detail on the formulas or supplements available in New Zealand for the management of vitamin B deficiencies is available on Pharmac’s website(external link).
Any changes to the original proposal?
This decision was subject to a consultation letter dated 4 December 2025. No changes have been made to the proposal following consultation.
Who we think will be most interested
- People with conditions that require thiamine (vitamin B1) supplements, their whānau, family and caregivers.
- Specialists and clinicians.
- Dietitians and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of people with vitamin B1 deficiency.
- Suppliers of supplements for vitamin B1 deficiency.
Detail about this decision
The following changes will occur in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
|
Chemical name |
Presentation; |
Pack price |
Brand (Supplier) |
Listing date |
Principal Supply date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Thiamine hydrochloride |
Inj 50 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule; 10 glass ampoule pack |
$49.95 |
Thiamine Sterop (Boucher) |
1 April 2026 |
1 September 2026 |
From 1 April 2026, thiamine hydrochloride injection 50 mg per ml (2 ml ampoule) will be listed in in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
From 1 September 2026 until 30 June 2028, the Thiamine Sterop brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection will have Principal Supply Status with a 5% DV limit. This means that Thiamine Sterop will be the main funded brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection 50 mg per ml until 30 June 2028.
Our responses to what you told us
We are grateful for the time and care people took to respond to our consultation. A summary of the key themes raised in your feedback and our responses follows.
|
Theme |
Pharmac Comment |
|---|---|
|
Respondents indicated that introducing a new strength of thiamine hydrochloride injection would only require minor updates to local clinical systems to reflect the new formulation and did not identify any significant concerns. |
We acknowledge that the introduction of a new presentation would require updates to local clinical systems and guidelines. Pharmac considers such updates to be routine in the context of a new formulation being funded. We will ensure that any relevant information is communicated clearly through sector updates and our website. |
|
Respondents noted that thiamine hydrochloride injections are commonly administered in 100 mg increments and suggested that the proposed 50 mg per ml (2 ml ampoule) would better align with these dosing patterns and help reduce wastage compared with currently available strengths. |
We appreciate feedback highlighting that the new strength aligns well with commonly used dosing patterns. Reducing waste is an important consideration in Pharmac’s tender evaluation process, and the feedback supports the clinical suitability of this presentation. |
If you have any questions about this decision, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz; or call our toll-free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 660 050.