Subj : Nationwide liquid morphine shortage, more stock months away
To   : All
From : News
Date : Sun Apr 14 2024 11:14 am

A nationwide shortage of liquid morphine is impacting those suffering from
pain and more stock could be months away, pharmacists warn.


The shortage is due to Pfizer closing one of its Australian factories in
Perth.


Pfizer gave Pharmac two years notice of the discontinuation of morphine
production, but the government agency said it has been unable to source an
alternative in that time.


Stacey Hurst broke her back during pregnancy two years ago when she lifted
her 50kg dog.


"It must have been a bad day and my back just went crack."


Liquid morphine brought her some relief - but now she is being forced to live
without it.


Pain affects her life "in every way", she told 1News.


"Being a good mum, just everyday things, cooking, cleaning."


Pharmacist Samantha Tibshraeny said it has been "distressing" to tell those
vulnerable people they are unable to source their prescribed medication.


"We've been told that during the month of April, the stock is going to
fluctuate and I believe it's June when the stock will resume to normal
supply."


Liquid morphine is cheap, easy to use and should be available to everyone
around the world who has pain, said Hospice NZ chief executive Wayne Naylor.


While he believes Pharmac has done what it can, he criticised pharmaceutical
companies for not focusing on people.


"It's putting profit before people as far as I can tell."


Normal supply is hoped to resume in June through a new supplier who purchased
the Perth factory.

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