Drug Availability

HPS Pharmacies wish to give notice that Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia) are experiencing a supply interruption for OncoTICE^® vials as follows:

OncoTICE^® Vials
Mycobacterium bovis (Bacillus Calmette and Guerin (BCG) strain) 5 hundred million CFU
ARTG 59912

This supply interruption is due to an unexpected increase in demand. Normal supplies are expected to resume in late December 2019. While wholesale stocks are limited, HPS Pharmacies has been able to secure a limited supply based on our historical monthly usage.

BCG-medac, an internationally registered brand of BCG vials, has also been approved for supply under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. This product is derived from a different substrain of Mycobacterium bovis BCG. The following table provides a comparison of the two products. Please refer to the BCG-medac package insert provided with the product or the Summary of Product Characteristics for further details.

Please note that Section 19A alternatives are subject to a longer lead time and different pricing as they must be sourced internationally.

Retain this notice in a prominent position, including in other related business units until supplies return to normal. Report any problems identified with medicines, vaccines or medical devices to the TGA.

Should you require further information regarding this matter, please contact Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia) on (02) 8988 8000or your pharmacist at HPS Pharmacies.