Hydroxychloroquine: Brand change

New brand

Following Pharmac's tendering process, the funded brand of hydroxychloroquine changed from Plaquenil to Ipca-Hydroxychloroquine. Since 1 May 2025, Ipca-Hydroxychloroquine has been the only funded brand.

Same active ingredient, in the same amount 

Medsafe is the government agency responsible for making sure medicines meet standards of quality and effectiveness. Medsafe has reviewed the Ipca-Hydroxychloroquine brand and approved it for use in New Zealand.

It has the same active ingredient, in the same quantity, and it should work in your body the same way.

We have had reports of people experiencing reduced symptom control or new side effects following the brand change. We encourage people to talk to their doctor, or the person who prescribed the medicine, about any differences you are experiencing. They can best advise on your individual health needs.

You can also report any adverse reactions to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring. Reduced symptom control is an adverse reaction too.

Learn more about the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring(external link) 

Pharmacists

A brand switch fee applied until 1 August 2025.

Who to contact

If you are experiencing unexpected reactions from the new brand, talk to the person who prescribed your medicine. They are best placed to advise on your individual health needs. 

Any reports of adverse events (including a loss of effectiveness) can be reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM)(external link)

If you have questions about the funding of hydroxychloroquine, 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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