Antiretroviral medicine changes
From 1 November 2026, people will no longer need a Special Authority for funded antiretroviral treatment for any indication.
Clinical management remains the same
Pharmac has removed Special Authority requirements to reduce administrative burden. It does not change expectations regarding the clinical management, monitoring, or specialist involvement in the care of people living with HIV.
It remains the responsibility of the prescribing clinician to be familiar with the management of HIV, including appropriate prescribing, ongoing monitoring, and ensuring patients remain linked with specialist services.
Practitioners Supply Order (PSO) for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
From 1 November 2026, emtricitabine with tenofovir and dolutegravir will be available on Practitioners Supply Order (PSO) for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) only.
Making PEP available through PSO aims to support timely access to treatment following a potential exposure to HIV. We anticipate this pathway will primarily be used in urgent care settings, including Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Services (SAATS).
The PSO must be endorsed for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) only, supplied only by an authorised practitioner.
Unapproved indication
Supply of emtricitabine with tenofovir and dolutegravir through PSO for PEP is for an unapproved indication. The medical practitioner or authorised prescriber is responsible for obtaining informed consent at the time of supply.
Use of approved Medicines for an unapproved purpose | Medsafe(external link)
What is not changing
There is no change to the funded treatment options available for people living with HIV.
There is also no change to current dispensing arrangements. Since 1 March 2026, antiretroviral medicines have been able to be dispensed STAT (3-monthly), allowing up to three months’ supply to be dispensed at one time. More frequent dispensing remains available where clinically appropriate to support adherence, monitoring, or individual patient needs.
These changes do not alter the standard of care for people living with HIV, or expectations regarding clinical management, monitoring, and ongoing specialist involvement where appropriate.
Who to contact
If you have questions about this change, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz