Rifampicin (Rifadin) oral liquid: Supply issue

Affected product

The supplier (Sanofi) has limited supply of the following product. In addition, the available stock expires 30 June 2026.  

• Chemical: Rifampicin
• Presentation: Oral liq 100 mg per 5 ml
• Brand: Rifadin
• Pharmacode: 251208 
• Subsidy: $12.60
• Measure / Qty: per 60 ml

Schedule listing for rifampicin(external link)

All other presentations of rifampicin remain available.

Pharmacies

We ask that pharmacies continue to dispense the short-dated stock where people can complete their treatment course before the expiry. Supply is expected to be limited over the coming months, so using as much short-dated stock as possible means less restricted supply later.

Sanofi has agreed to supply on sale or return terms. 

Resupply

Sanofi is expecting further stock of Rifadin oral liquid to arrive during May 2026. This will not be a complete resupply and supply is expected to be limited until August 2026. We are looking at options to ensure people can continue to access this treatment between now and August.

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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