Now there is a shortage of BIRTH CONTROL: Experts say some oral contraceptives could run out by September
- Supply shortage of three oral contraceptive drugs in Australia and New Zealand
- About 24,000 woman in the two countries estimated to use the affected drugs
- Authorities have urged those prescribed the medicines to talk to their doctor
Shortages of some types of oral contraceptive medication have been reported in Australia and New Zealand, as experts warn remaining stock could run out by September.
The medications Norimin, Brevinor, and Norinyl are listed as unavailable on the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration website, with some not expected to be available again until December.
Pharmac, the medicine regulator in New Zealand, has also listed Brevinor and Noramin as in short supply, with Norimin already out of stock and Brevinor to run out in August.
Certain types of oral contraceptive medication has become unavailable in Australia and New Zealand, as experts warn remaining stock could run out by September (stock image)
The agencies advise that while some chemists may have enough of the birth control medications in stock to fill prescriptions, supply will be sparse and inconsistent.
More than 14,000 women in Australia are estimated to use the medication, while in New Zealand there are more than 9,000 users.
According to the TGA website a manufacturing issue is responsible for the shortage.
The medicines are manufactured by global giant Pfizer and contain the active ingredients norethisterone and ethinylestradiol.
Pfizer has reportedly explained the shortage is because the company is upgrading manufacturing equipment on packaging and implementing additional lines.
Authorities have advised women using these oral contraceptives to speak to their doctor about switching to an alternative medicine, with many available.
‘We have worked closely with Pfizer to try to avoid this situation, including looking for an alternative brand, but it has not been possible to source a chemically equivalent medicine to bring into New Zealand’, says PHARMAC’s director of operations, Lisa Williams.
‘We realise this short supply situation will be disruptive for some people and we encourage people taking Brevinor-1 28 Day, who need more supplies of this medicine, to go back to their prescriber to discuss an alternative contraceptive option.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the TGA, Pharmac, and Pfizer for comment.
Authorities have advised women using these pills to speak to their doctor about switching to an alternative medicine, with many available (stock image)