Emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil: Supply issue

Affected product

Viatris, the supplier, advised that there will be a supply issue affecting its brand of emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil from late December 2025.

It is used for:

• pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV
• post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV
• treatment of HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.

Chemical: Emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil

• Presentation: Tab tenofovir disoproxil maleate 300 mg + emtricitabine 200 mg
• Brand: Tenofovir Disoproxil Emtricitabine Viatris
• Pharmacode: 2638088 
• Subsidy: $13.45
• Measure / Qty: per 30

Schedule listing for emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil(external link)

Alternative product 

The following is listed from 1 January 2026, to cover any out-of-stock period. It is not Medsafe registered, so will have to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. 

• Presentation: Emtricitabine Tab 200 mg with tenofovir disoproxil 245 mg (300 mg as a fumarate)
• Brand: Tenofovir Disoproxil Emtricitabine Mylan
• Pharmacode: 2719495
• Subsidy: $13.45
• Measure / Qty: per 30

Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine

Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 allows for medicines that are not Medsafe approved to be prescribed and supplied to people. 

We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. In this case, however, this will allow patients to be able to access an appropriate treatment. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

Advice for prescribing under section 29 – BPAC website(external link) 

Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 medicines – Medsafe website (external link)

What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)

Resupply expected early 2026

Viatris advises that the New Zealand registered product will be available again early in 2026. 

Who to contact

If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.  

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