Frequently asked questions

Novalac Allergy (0-12 months) is a premium hydrolysed rice protein-based specialty infant formula. It is specially formulated for babies unable to tolerate formula containing cow’s milk protein, with a diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy and/or lactose intolerance. It is hypoallergenic and because it is specially formulated from protein sourced from rice it contains no cow’s milk protein residue. It is free from common food allergens: dairy, gluten, fish, soy, sesame, wheat, egg and nut ingredients.

Novalac Allergy (0–12 months) now includes PAX™ Complex, a patented blend of scientifically researched thickening ingredients. As rice protein-based formula is thin in consistency, PAX Complex has been added as a thickening agent for the dietary management of cow’s milk allergy symptoms like regurgitation and stool consistency.

Novalac Allergy 0–12 Months now contains PAX™ Complex and some other minor formulation changes. Novalac Allergy 0–12 Months remains suitable for the dietary management of infants with suspected or confirmed cow’s milk allergy and/or lactose intolerance.

PAX Complex is a patented blend of scientifically researched thickening ingredients. As rice protein-based formula is thin in consistency, PAX Complex has been added as a thickening agent for the dietary management of cow’s milk allergy symptoms like regurgitation and stool consistency.

PAX Complex is a patented blend of scientifically researched ingredients that help to thicken the formula.

• Rice protein–based formulas are naturally thin, so PAX Complex has been added as a thickening agent that thickens in the stomach not in the bottle.
• PAX Complex is a thickening agent for the dietary management of cow’s milk allergy symptoms like regurgitation and stool consistency.

PAX Complex has been used for many years across a range of Novalac formulas for reflux and cow’s milk allergy in Europe.

• For most babies, changing from one formula to another is not usually a concern, however for some particularly sensitive babies, changes in digestion may occur with any formulation change.
• Digestive upsets are usually temporary and settle.
• Contact your Healthcare Professional to discuss how to transition formulas and whether specific strategies may be appropriate for your baby.
• In the unlikely event of a reaction, parents/carers should contact their doctor or specialist.

• For most babies, changing from one formula to another is not usually a concern, however some babies may experience initial resistance due to a change in taste, texture or smell, or you may notice temporary digestive changes when transitioning to the new formula.
• Contact your Healthcare Professional to discuss how to transition formulas and whether specific strategies may be appropriate for your baby.
• The current formulation will be phased out as existing stock is depleted.

• There is no change to how the product should be used, it remains suitable for suspected and confirmed cow’s milk allergy and/or lactose intolerance.
• You may notice differences in colour, taste, texture or smell due to the formulation update, this is normal and expected with any formulation change.
• For most babies, changing from one formula to another is not usually a concern, however some babies may experience initial resistance due to a change in taste, texture or smell, or you may notice temporary digestive changes when transitioning to the new formula.
• Changes in digestion may occur with any formulation change, particularly for sensitive babies. Digestive upsets are usually temporary and settle. In the unlikely event of a reaction, parents should contact their doctor or specialist.
• These changes do not affect the quality and nutritional content. Every batch undergoes extensive quality testing before it reaches pharmacy shelves and is made to meet the Australian food standards.

• The new formulation of Novalac Allergy includes PAX™ Complex, a patented blend of scientifically researched ingredients that help to thicken the formula.
• Due to the specific composition of the formulation, the prepared formula may separate into two layers a few minutes after mixing. The formulation also naturally contains small white food fibres, which can result in light residue or tiny clumps in the bottle.
• These characteristics are expected with the inclusion of the PAX Complex and are normal. With formulation changes, it is not uncommon to experience or notice differences in the colour, taste, texture or smell.
• The formula should be shaken vigorously when reconstituted. Re-shake if required.

The PAX™ Complex logo appears on the front of the tin.

Initial batch includes an “Improved Formula” sticker with QR code on the lid of the tin, linking to FAQs on the Novalac website (www.novanutrition.com.au).

Novalac Allergy 0-12 Months (with PAX™ Complex) is free from common food allergens: dairy, gluten, fish, soy, sesame, wheat, egg and nut ingredients.

Each bottle should be prepared individually. Only use the measuring scoop provided.

1. Always wash your hands before preparing a bottle. Wash the feeding bottle, cap, teat, and any utensils to be used, then sterilise them in boiling water.
2. Boil clean drinking water for 5 minutes and allow to cool to 40°C. Pour the required amount of water (see feeding guide) into the bottle.
3. Using the scoop provided in this container, add the correct quantity of water (see the feeding guide). Always use one level scoopful (4.4g) per 30mL of water. Do not compact the powder in the scoop.
4. Secure the lid on the bottle, roll the bottle between your palms and then shake briskly for at least 30 seconds until the powder is completely dissolved. Let the formula cool to lukewarm temperature (37°C). Formula may separate while cooling. Re-shake if required and test the temperature on wrist before feeding. Feed immediately.

Formula should be consumed within one hour of preparation. Discard any unfinished formula. Novalac Allergy is best used with a variable flow teat.

The formula should be shaken vigorously when reconstituted. Re-shake if required.  

Yes. Novalac Allergy 0-12 Months has been transferred to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Germany.

The manufacturing facility is a purpose-built infant formula site and manufactures infant formula according to stringent hygiene standards which comply with Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure premium quality.

Yes. The scoop size has changed slightly from 4.3g to 4.4g. It is important that Novalac Allergy is prepared with the enclosed scoop provided in the tin.

Novalac Allergy 0-12 Months is recommended to be fed with a variable flow teat.

The new formula of Novalac Allergy 0-12 Months made in Germany will start to appear on shelves from March 2026. This product can be identified by the PAX™ Complex logo on front of tin.

If you have further questions or require information, please contact the Novalac Support Centre on:

Phone: 1300 659 646, press option 1.

Email: novalac@aspenpharmacare.com.au

If you’re able, breastfeeding is best for your baby. It provides complete nutrition for the first six months, supports immune health with antibodies and good bacteria, and adapts to meet your baby’s changing needs during rapid growth. Breastfeeding also fosters emotional bonding through skin-to-skin contact and may help mothers lose weight after birth. While breastfeeding has many advantages, not every mum is able to, and that’s okay. If you’re considering formula, speak with a healthcare professional for guidance. What matters most is that your baby receives the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.

Most of the time it’s fine to change formulas as long as you keep to the same type. For example, if you’re using an everyday infant formula designed for babies 0–12 months, changing to another brand of everyday infant formula for babies aged 0–12 months will not harm your baby, although their body may take some time to adapt. For example, at first you might notice a change in your baby’s bowel movements, or they may be reluctant to accept the unfamiliar taste, but this is usually temporary.

However, if your baby is on a specialised or healthcare professional-recommended formula we recommend that you check with your healthcare professional before switching brands or types.

It’s recommended that solid foods are introduced when your infant is ready, at around 6 months, to help provide the extra nourishment that babies need at this stage of their development.

Infant formulas are designed to replace breast milk if you choose not to breastfeed or are unable to breastfeed, and solids should be introduced around 6 months of age in this case too. It’s important to note that pasteurised cow’s milk, soy milk or other plant-based milks that are not specifically designed for babies are not recommended for babies under 12 months of age.

Follow instructions on the label exactly. Prepare bottles and teats as directed. Do not change proportions of powder except on medical advice. Incorrect preparation can make your baby very ill.

Always wash your hands before preparing a bottle. Each bottle should be prepared individually. Only use the measuring scoop provided. It is recommended that formula be used immediately after it is prepared.

Formula should be consumed within one hour of preparation. Any formula left over after feeding should be discarded. Refer to the product label for further instructions.

Store in a cool, dry place and protect from light. Use within 3 weeks of opening. Do not use after the ‘Use By’ date, which is on the base of the can.

No, lactose intolerance is different to cow’s milk protein allergy, and is an inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Lactose-free formulas are based on cow’s milk with the lactose removed. Giving a baby with a confirmed cow’s milk protein allergy a standard lactose-free formula can result in an allergic reaction.¹

Goat’s milk formula is not suitable for babies with cow’s milk allergy and may cause anaphylaxis.¹