Proposal to fund a new strength of thiamine hydrochloride injection
What we’re proposing
We are proposing to fund thiamine hydrochloride injection 50 mg per ml (2 ml ampoule) in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 April 2026 for use in Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) 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.
We currently fund two strengths of thiamine hydrochloride injections as listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule: 100 mg per ml (1 ml and 2 ml vials) and 125 mg per ml (2 ml vial). These would continue to be funded under this proposal and are each listed as ‘Any Brand’, meaning there are currently no contractual arrangements between Pharmac and a company for the supply of thiamine hydrochloride injections.
This proposal would mean that from 1 April 2026, the Thiamine Sterop brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection 50 mg per ml (2 ml ampoule) would be listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule under an agreement with Boucher & Muir (NZ) Limited to secure consistent supply for people in New Zealand who need it.
Consultation closes at 4 pm, Monday 15 December 2025 and feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz
What would the effect be?
From 1 April 2026, the Thiamine Sterop brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection would be listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule for use in Health New Zealand 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.
We encourage people who are receiving thiamine hydrochloride injections and their family, whānau and caregivers to discuss this proposal with their healthcare professional.
From 1 September 2026 until 30 June 2028, the Thiamine Sterop brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection, supplied by Boucher & Muir (NZ) Limited, would have Principal Supply Status. This means that Thiamine Sterop would be the main funded brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection 50 mg per ml until 30 June 2028.
Who we think will be 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.
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).
Why we’re proposing 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.
As a result of this tender process, we are proposing to award Principal Supply Status to the Thiamine Sterop brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection 50 mg per ml from 1 September 2026.
The proposed 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.
Details about our proposal
From 1 April 2026, the Thiamine Sterop brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection would be listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule as follows:
|
Chemical |
Formulation |
Brand (Supplier) |
Pack size |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Thiamine hydrochloride |
Inj 50 mg per ml, 2 ml ampoule |
Thiamine Sterop (Boucher) |
10 |
Pricing for the Thiamine Sterop brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection would be shared following any decision on this proposal.
From 1 September 2026 until 30 June 2028, the Thiamine Sterop brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection would have Principal Supply Status. This means that Thiamine Sterop would be the main funded brand of thiamine hydrochloride injection 50 mg per ml until 30 June 2028.
To provide feedback
Send us an email at consult@pharmac.govt.nz by 4 pm, Monday 15 December 2025.
All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by Pharmac’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.
Your feedback may be shared
When you give feedback on a consultation, your feedback becomes official information that Pharmac holds. Pharmac has legal responsibilities for how we manage this official information, under laws such as the Official Information Act and Privacy Act.
Pharmac may receive a request from people for official information, which could include your feedback. Legally, Pharmac must consider whether your feedback should be released.
We will consider your views when assessing whether the feedback has to be released. Tell us if there is anything about your feedback that you would prefer wasn’t released.
If your feedback is proposed for release, then Pharmac will contact you, unless there is a legal reason that we can't.
Note that Pharmac collects and holds your information in line with our Privacy Statement.