Update on Xyrem® (Sodium Oxybate) Supply in Australia

Many people living with Narcolepsy or Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) have been asking what’s happening with Xyrem® (sodium oxybate) supply in Australia. I have met with representatives from UCB Pharma and also communicated directly with MedSurge, the company now supporting supply. Here’s what we can confirm - and why you can still access treatment.

What’s happening

• UCB Pharma, who have been importing and supplying Xyrem® in Australia under the TGA’s Special Access Scheme (SAS), has advised that they can no longer continue supply.
  

• This change is due to Jazz Pharmaceuticals, the global manufacturer of Xyrem®, altering its distribution arrangements, which has ended the supply agreement that previously allowed UCB Pharma to import Xyrem for Australian patients.
  

• To prevent treatment disruption, UCB Pharma has worked with MedSurge Healthcare to ensure ongoing access for existing patients.
  

What this means - and why you can still access treatment

• Sodium oxybate can continue to be prescribed and imported under the same TGA Special Access Scheme (SAS) pathway that has always applied.
  

• MedSurge Healthcare will now manage supply and distribution.
  

• Your prescribing specialist can continue issuing prescriptions as usual, and pharmacies can now place orders directly with MedSurge.
  

• If your prescribing specialist or pharmacist is not yet aware of this change or is unsure how to proceed, please ask them to contact MedSurge Healthcare directly for guidance.

Pharmacy ordering information (as provided by MedSurge): Pharmacies can order directly through MedSurge by contacting their Customer Service team: ☎️ 1300 788 261 📧 customerservice@medsurgehc.com

Looking ahead

There are some encouraging developments on the horizon. An application to register sodium oxybate with the TGA has been submitted by another pharmaceutical company. While this process can take time, it’s a positive step toward improving access and potentially reducing reliance on the Special Access Scheme in future.

Following Alkermes’ recent acquisition of Avadel Pharmaceuticals, it’s also possible that we may see interest in bringing LUMRYZ® (the once-nightly oxybate formulation) to Australia.

We’ll continue to engage with regulators, clinicians, and industry partners to support efforts that could expand treatment access and strengthen supply security for people living with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Edit: We’ve received some reports that the generic formulation may not perform the same as Xyrem®, and that a few people have noticed the return of symptoms.

These reports may be isolated, but your feedback will help us understand how widespread these issues are and provide evidence to share with suppliers, prescribers, and regulators. If you’ve noticed any side effects or how the generic sodium oxybate works for you, please complete our short feedback form.

Michelle Chadwick Founder and Executive Director Dr Aaron Schokman Narcolepsy Advocacy and Policy