A national shortage of liquid morphine is affecting people suffering from pain and pharmacists have warned that further stockpiling could be months away.
The shortage is due to Pfizer closing one of its factories in Perth, Australia.
Pfizer notified Pharmac two years ago that it would stop producing morphine, but was unable to source a replacement in that time, the agency said.
Two years ago, Stacey Hurst broke her hip while lifting a 50kg dog while pregnant.
“I think I had a bad day and my back cracked.”
Liquid morphine brought her some relief, but now she is forced to live without it.
The pain has affected her life “in every way,” she told 1News.
“To be a good mother, just the everyday things, cooking and cleaning are enough.”
Pharmacist Samantha Tibshraney said it was “distressing” to tell vulnerable people they won’t be able to get prescription drugs.
“I’ve heard that inventory will fluctuate during April, but I don’t think inventory will return to normal supply until June.”
Liquid morphine is cheap, easy to use and should be available to everyone in pain around the world, Hospice NZ chief executive Wayne Naylor said.
He believes Pharmac has done what it can, but criticized the company for not focusing on people.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s putting profits over people.”
It is hoped that normal supply will resume in June through a new supplier that has acquired the Perth factory.
