The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
Update - medicine shortage resolved
2 May 2019
Consumers and health professionals are advised that the shortage of metronidazole intravenous infusion 500 mg/100 mL bag has been resolved.
Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd has advised there is sufficient stock of Metronidazole Baxter metronidazole 500 mg/100 mL solution for injection bag (AUST R: 165164) available.
Please note that the unapproved product listed below that was available as an alternative due to the shortage is no longer available under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
The TGA is aware of a current medicine shortage for metronidazole intravenous infusion 500 mg/100 mL bag.
Notifications about shortages of metronidazole have been published in the TGA's Medicine Shortages Information Initiative database.
Availability of metronidazole has been further affected recently by a recall of DBL metronidazole intravenous infusion, agreed to by the sponsor Pfizer Australia on 20 June 2018.
To help ease the effects of these shortages, the TGA has granted approval under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to Baxter Healthcare to supply an alternate product: Metronidazole Intravenous Infusion 500mg/100mL bag. Baxter Healthcare can be contacted on 1800 229 837 regarding supply. Information about this Section 19A approval has been published in the TGA’s online Section 19A database.
Reporting problems
Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to report problems with medicines or vaccines.Your report will contribute to the TGA's monitoring of these products.
The TGA cannot give advice about an individual's medical condition. You are strongly encouraged to talk with a health professional if you are concerned about a possible adverse event associated with a medicine or vaccine.