Tenofovir disoproxil (Tenofovir Disoproxil Viatris) Tab 245 mg: Supply issue resolved

Affected product

There was a delay at the manufacturing plant, meaning Viatris (the supplier) were running low of the following product:

Chemical: Tenofovir disoproxil

• Presentation: Tab 245 mg (300 mg as a maleate)
• Brand: Tenofovir Disoproxil Viatris
• Pharmacode: 2638061
• Subsidy: $15.00
• Measure / Qty: per 30

Schedule listing for tenofovir disoproxil(external link)

Alternative listed

From 1 April 2025, Pharmac listed an alternative. It has not been registered with Medsafe which means it needed to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29 of the Medicines Act. While it has not been approved for use in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is approved for use overseas.

• Brand: Ricovir 
• Pharmacode: 2703122
• Subsidy: $15.00
• Measure / Qty: per 30
• Unapproved medicine supplied under Section 29
• Wastage applies

We have developed a flier to support pharmacists' conversations with affected people.

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. The medicine must be prescribed by someone registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand – such as, a doctor. 

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)

Medsafe’s section 29 Declaration / Notification Form [DOC](external link)

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

Resupplied 30 April 2025

The supplier advises that tenofovir disoproxil tablets have arrived and been released to wholesalers. It can take another 1 to 2 weeks to reach pharmacies around the motu. 

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.

Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)