Pharmac - Supply issue affecting oxytocin

We are writing to inform you that Pharmac is expecting a constrained supply of oxytocin injection 10 IU per mL, 1 mL ampoule (Pharmacode: 2577046) from mid to late November 2025.

The supplier has advised Pharmac that stock may run out at wholesalers before the next shipment arrives - there might still be stock at community and hospital pharmacy level.

The supplier expects the next shipment to arrive in late November 2025.  Please note it may take one to two weeks for stock to reach pharmacies across New Zealand.

We are aware that oxytocin is mostly prescribed by midwives, so supplying an unregistered alternative under Section 29 is not appropriate. The supplier is arranging an alternative 10 IU/mL product.

Please conserve oxytocin for those who need it most

We ask that oxytocin 10 IU/mL be conserved wherever it is clinically safe and appropriate to do so. The 5 IU/mL strength is not affected by this issue.

More information

Pharmac has a supply issue webpage which we will update as more information becomes available: Oxytocin (inj 10 iu per ml): Supply issue.

We want to make sure that everyone who needs to know about this supply issue is informed.  Please share this information with your colleagues.  If you have questions about this, please email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz.

We appreciate your support in helping manage this supply issue.  We understand the disruption supply issues can cause and the additional workload this creates for you and your colleagues.

Ngā mihi

Dr David Hughes

Chief Medical Officer | Director Advice & Assessment

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Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | PO Box 10 254 | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington

DDI: +64 21 962 317 | P: +64 4 460 4990 |  www.pharmac.govt.nz