Ordine (morphine) oral liquid discontinuation

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has been notified of Mundipharma’s intention to discontinue supply of all Ordine (morphine) oral liquid medicines in Australia.

Ordine (morphine) oral liquid is an opioid analgesic medicine used to manage severe pain and difficult or laboured breathing (dyspnoea) in many care settings, including oncology and palliative care.

There are 4 strengths of this product marketed in Australia (see below) and all strengths will be discontinued from supply:

• ORDINE morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 1mg/mL oral solution bottle AUST R: 150219
  • Market deletion date: 31 Dec 2023

• ORDINE morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 2mg/mL oral solution bottle AUST R: 150220
  • Market deletion date: 29 Feb 2024

• ORDINE morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 5mg/mL oral solution bottle AUST R: 150221
  • Market deletion date: 31 March 2024

• ORDINE morphine hydrochloride trihydrate 10mg/mL oral solution bottle AUST R: 150222
  • Market deletion date: 31 March 2024

Information about these discontinuations is published on our Medicine Shortage Reports Database. Please note, information on the database can be updated by the sponsor at any time.

We are aware of the importance of these medicines in a range of clinical settings and are treating these discontinuations with high priority. We are working with the sponsor of these products, Mundipharma, to monitor remaining supplies of these medicines, as well as a range of other stakeholders, including relevant medical and pharmacy groups, to support treatment continuity for patients.

At this time, pharmacists can continue to order Ordine (morphine) oral liquid medicines from their usual wholesaler. We encourage pharmacists to only order what they need to facilitate equitable distribution of stock.

If you or someone you care for takes Ordine (morphine) oral liquid and you have concerns about ongoing treatment with this medicine, we would recommend talking to your prescriber.

There are other oral liquid analgesics available in Australia and we are closely monitoring the supply of those products for any flow-on impacts.

We are also investigating the potential for future approvals for importation and supply of overseas-registered morphine oral liquids under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.