Consultation on possible brand changes through the annual tender
We are seeking feedback on possible brand changes for medicines in Pharmac’s annual tender
Pharmac is seeking feedback on possible brand changes through our 2024/25 Annual Invitation to Tender. In particular, we’re wanting feedback on how a brand change could be managed to best support people taking these medicines.
No decisions about brand changes for these medicines have been made. We will use your feedback to help us make an informed decision about whether to change the funded brands of these medicines.
The medicines are from the following therapeutic groups, as listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule (the list of funded medicines). A brief explanation of the treatment areas for each therapeutic group is also provided in brackets:
- Alimentary Tract and Metabolism (digestive issues and metabolic disorders)
- Anti-Infectives (bacterial and other infections)
- Blood and Blood Forming Organs (disorders that affect blood and its components)
- Cardiovascular System (heart and blood vessel conditions)
- Dermatologicals (skin conditions)
- Genito Urinary System (urinary and reproductive system issues)
- Hormones (conditions requiring regulation or replacement of hormones)
- Musculoskeletal System (conditions affecting bones, muscles and joints)
- Nervous System (includes analgesics, anaesthetics, neurological conditions, mental health, and dementia)
- Oncology Agents (cancer)
- Respiratory System and Allergies (lung conditions and allergies)
- Sensory Organs (eye and ear conditions).
We’re doing this because it’s important to us that annual tender decisions are informed by the experiences of people taking the medicines, and those who support them, including clinicians and caregivers.
The annual tender is a key tool for Pharmac to release savings from funded medicines that can then be used to fund more medicines for New Zealanders.
Last year we made several decisions through annual tender process that resulted in changes to the brands of funded medicines. Pharmac acknowledges that in previous years people weren’t consulted enough about tender brand changes. We have learnt valuable lessons from this experience, and that’s why we’re adding this additional consultation step, so we can better understand what a brand change could mean for people and how we could best support a change.
Consultation closes at 4 pm Monday 16 June. You can email feedback to tenderconsult@pharmac.govt.nz or
What you can tell us
For each medicine:
- For the proposed medicines where there is currently more than one funded brand, would there be any issues in moving to a single funded brand?
- What would be the key issues for Pharmac to consider if there was a change in funded brand for the proposed medicines?
- In addition to the things we usually evaluate are there any features of the medicines that we should consider, for example pack sizes?
- Are there any groups of people where it would be clinically inappropriate, or more difficult, to undergo a brand change for a particular medicine? If yes, please provide detail.
- What support or resources would people using these medicines need if a brand change were to occur?
- What support or resources would healthcare professionals prescribing or dispensing these medicines need if a brand change were to occur?
- Besides the things that we already consider when making a tender decision, are there any additional features of the proposed medicines that should be considered?
We welcome any other feedback you may wish to provide.
About the annual tender
- Medicines with possible brand changes table [PDF 144 KB]
Medicines with possible brand changes
Therapeutic group |
Medicine |
Current funded brand(s) |
What medicine is used for |
ABA |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism |
Bisacodyl Tab 5 mg |
Bisacodyl Viatris |
Bisacodyl is used for short term relief of constipation. |
5% |
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism |
Docusate sodium with sennosides Tab 50 mg with sennosides 8 mg |
Laxsol |
Docusate sodium with sennosides is a combination medicine used to treat constipation. |
5% |
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism |
Ferrous Sulphate Oral liq 30 mg (6 mg elemental) per ml |
Ferodan Ferro-Liquid |
Ferrous sulphate is an iron supplement used to treat and prevent iron deficiency. |
5% |
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism |
Ferrous Sulphate Tab long-acting 325 mg |
Ferrograd |
Ferrous sulphate is an iron supplement used to treat and prevent iron deficiency. |
5% |
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism |
Glycopyrronium bromide Inj 0.2 mg per ml, 1 ml |
Robinul |
Glycopyrronium bromide is an antimuscarinic agent used to reduce secretions like saliva and mucus. |
5% |
Anti-Infectives |
Amoxicillin Cap 500 mg |
Miro-Amoxicillin |
Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections. |
5% |
Anti-Infectives |
Cefalexin monohydrate Cap 250 mg |
Cephalexin ABM |
Cefalexin monohydrate is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. |
5% |
Anti-Infectives |
Cefalexin monohydrate Cap 500 mg |
Cephalexin ABM |
Cefalexin monohydrate is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. |
5% |
Anti-Infectives |
Cefalexin monohydrate Grans for oral liq 25 mg per ml |
Flynn |
Cefalexin monohydrate is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. |
5% |
Anti-Infectives |
Cefalexin monohydrate Grans for oral liq 50 mg per ml |
Flynn Cefalexin Sandoz |
Cefalexin monohydrate is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. |
5% |
Anti-Infectives |
Daptomycin Inj 350 mg – 500 mg |
Daptomycin Dr Reddy's |
Daptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. |
5% |
Anti-Infectives |
Methenamine (hexamine) Hippurate Tab 1 mg |
Hiprex |
Methenamine (also known as hexamine) hippurate is a medicine used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). |
5% |
Anti-Infectives |
Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) Grans for oral liq 125 mg per 5 ml |
AFT |
Phenoxymethylpenicillin, also known as penicillin V, is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. |
5% |
Anti-Infectives |
Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) Grans for oral liq 250 mg per 5 ml |
AFT |
Phenoxymethylpenicillin, also known as penicillin V, is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. |
5% |
Blood and Blood Forming Organs |
Compound electrolytes with glucose [dextrose] Soln with electrolytes |
Hydralyte - Lemonade |
Compound electrolytes with glucose (dextrose) is a solution used to treat dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and provide a source of calories. |
5% |
Blood and Blood Forming Organs |
Heparin Sodium Inj 5,000 iu per ml, 5 ml |
Heparin Sodium Panpharma |
Heparin sodium is an anticoagulant medicine used to prevent and treat blood clots. |
5% |
Blood and Blood Forming Organs |
Sodium chloride Inj 0.9%, 3 ml, prefilled syringe |
BD PosiFlush |
Sodium chloride prefilled syringes are used to flush intravenous lines to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of infection. |
5% |
Blood and Blood Forming Organs |
Sodium chloride Inj 0.9%, 5 ml, prefilled syringe |
BD PosiFlush |
Sodium chloride prefilled syringes are used to flush intravenous lines to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of infection. |
5% |
Blood and Blood Forming Organs |
Sodium chloride Inj 0.9%, 10 ml, prefilled syringe |
BD PosiFlush |
Sodium chloride prefilled syringes are used to flush intravenous lines to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of infection. |
5% |
Blood and Blood Forming Organs |
Water for injection Purified for inj, 20 ml |
Fresenius Kabi |
Water for injection is used to dissolve or dilute medicines which may then be injected. It can also be used for washing and cleaning purposes during minor surgical procedures, and to clean wounds. |
5% |
Blood and Blood Forming Organs |
Water for injection Purified for inj, 500 ml bag |
Any Brand |
Water for injection is used to dissolve or dilute medicines which may then be injected. It can also be used for washing and cleaning purposes during minor surgical procedures, and to clean wounds. |
5% |
Cardiovascular System |
Enalapril Tab 5 mg |
Acetec |
Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. |
5% |
Cardiovascular System |
Enalapril Tab 10 mg |
Acetec |
Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. |
5% |
Cardiovascular System |
Enalapril Tab 20 mg |
Acetec |
Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. |
5% |
Cardiovascular System |
Furosemide [Frusemide] Inj 10 mg per ml, 2 ml |
Furosemide-Baxter |
Furosemide (also known as frusemide) is a medicine used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure. |
5% |
Cardiovascular System |
Losartan with hydrochlorothiazide Tab 50 mg with hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg |
Arrow-Losartan & Hydrochlorothiazide |
Losartan with hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). |
5% |
Cardiovascular System |
Noradrenaline Inj 1 mg per ml, 4 ml ampoule |
Noradrenaline BNM |
Noradrenaline also known as norepinephrine is used in emergency situations to increase and maintain blood pressure in patients with severe low blood pressure (hypotension). |
5% |
Genito Urinary |
Ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel Tab 20 mcg with levonorgestrel 100 mcg and 7 inert tabs |
Lo-Oralcon 20 ED |
Ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel is a combination hormonal contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. |
5% |
Genito Urinary |
Ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel Tab 30 mcg with levonorgestrel 150 mcg |
Microgynon 30 |
Ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel is a combination hormonal contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. |
5% |
Genito Urinary |
Ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel Tab 30 mcg with levonorgestrel 150 mcg and 7 inert tabs |
Oralcon 30 ED |
Ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel is a combination hormonal contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. |
5% |
Genito Urinary |
Levonorgestrel Tab 1.5 mg |
Levonorgestrel BNM |
Levonorgestrel is a hormonal medicine used for emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. |
5% |
Hormone Preparations |
Dexamethasone phosphate Inj 4 mg per ml, 1 ml |
Hameln |
Dexamethasone phosphate is a type of corticosteroid medicine used to reduce inflammation and supress the immune system. |
5% |
Hormone Preparations |
Dexamethasone phosphate Inj 4 mg per ml, 2 ml |
Hameln |
Dexamethasone phosphate is a type of corticosteroid medicine used to reduce inflammation and supress the immune system. |
5% |
Hormone Preparations |
Testosterone undecanoate Inj 250 mg per ml |
Reandron 1000 |
Testosterone undecanoate is a long-acting form of testosterone and it helps increase testosterone levels in the body. |
5% |
Musculoskeletal System |
Celecoxib Cap 200 mg |
Celecoxib Pfizer Celebrex |
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine used to relieve pain and inflammation. |
5% |
Musculoskeletal System |
Colchicine Tab 500 mcg |
Colgout |
Colchicine is a medicine used to treat and prevent gout attacks and other inflammatory conditions. Colchicine works by reducing inflammation and decreasing the build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. |
5% |
Musculoskeletal System |
Rocuronium bromide Inj 10 mg per ml, 5 ml |
Hameln |
Rocuronium bromide is a medicine used as a muscle relaxant during surgery and other medical procedures. |
5% |
Nervous System |
Citalopram hydrobromide Tab 20 mg |
Celapram |
Citalopram hydrobromide is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medicine which is used to treat depression. |
5% |
Nervous System |
Droperidol Inj 2.5 mg per ml, 1 ml |
Droperidol Panpharma |
Droperidol is a medicine used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery or diagnostic procedures. |
5% |
Nervous System |
Fluoxetine hydrochloride Cap 20 mg |
Arrow-Fluoxetine |
Fluoxetine hydrochloride is a medicine used to treat various mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). |
5% |
Nervous System |
Lidocaine [lignocaine] hydrochloride Oral [gel] 2% |
Mucosoothe |
Lidocaine [lignocaine] hydrochloride is a local anaesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug. It's used to numb specific areas of the body during minor surgical procedures, dental work, or other medical procedures. |
5% |
Nervous System |
Methadone hydrochloride Tab 5 mg |
Methadone BNM |
Methadone hydrochloride is a medicine used for the relief of moderate to severe pain, for example pain caused by a terminal illness such as cancer. |
5% |
Nervous System |
Metoclopramide hydrochloride Inj 5 mg per ml, 2 ml |
Baxter |
Metoclopramide hydrochloride is a medicine used to help with certain stomach and digestive issues. |
5% |
Nervous System |
Paracetamol Oral liq 120 mg per 5 ml |
Paracetamol (Ethics) |
Paracetamol is a medicine used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, and to reduce fever. |
5% |
Nervous System |
Paracetamol Oral liq 250 mg per 5 ml |
Pamol |
Paracetamol is a medicine used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, and to reduce fever. |
5% |
Nervous System |
Sertraline Tab 50 mg |
Setrona |
Sertraline is a medicine used to treat various mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). |
5% |
Nervous System |
Sertraline Tab 100 mg |
Setrona |
Sertraline is a medicine used to treat various mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). |
5% |
Nervous System |
Varenicline Tab 0.5 mg x 11 and 1 mg x 42 |
Champix |
Varenicline is a medicine used to help adults stop smoking. |
5% |
Nervous System |
Varenicline Tab 1 mg |
Champix |
Varenicline is a medicine used to help adults stop smoking. |
5% |
Oncology Agents |
Fulvestrant Inj 50 mg per ml, 5 ml |
Faslodex |
Fulvestrant is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain types of breast cancer. |
5% |
Oncology Agents |
Mitomycin C Inj 5 mg vial |
Accord (S29) Mitomycin (Sagent) (S29) Mitomycin (Fresenius Kabi) (S29) |
Mitomycin is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat cancers such as upper gastrointestinal cancers (like esophageal cancer), anal cancer, breast cancer and superficial bladder tumours |
5% |
Oncology Agents |
Mitomycin C Inj 20 mg vial |
Teva Omegapharm (S29) |
Mitomycin is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat cancers such as upper gastrointestinal cancers (like esophageal cancer), anal cancer, breast cancer and superficial bladder tumours |
5% |
Respiratory System and Allergies |
Pirfenidone Tab 267 mg |
Esbriet |
Pirfenidone is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition in which the lungs become scarred and stiff, making it hard to breathe. |
5% |
Respiratory System and Allergies |
Pirfenidone Tab 801 mg |
Esbriet |
Pirfenidone is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition in which the lungs become scarred and stiff, making it hard to breathe. |
5% |
Sensory Organs |
Chloramphenicol Eye drops 0.5% |
Chlorsig |
Chloramphenicol eye drops are used to treat bacterial eye infections |
5% |
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To provide feedback
Send us an email: tenderconsult@pharmac.govt.nz or complete the online form by 4 pm Monday 16 June.
All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by Pharmac’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision for all items included in this proposal.
Your feedback may be shared
When you give feedback on a consultation, your feedback becomes official information that Pharmac holds. Pharmac has legal responsibilities for how we manage this official information, under laws such as the Official Information Act and Privacy Act.
Pharmac may receive a request from people for official information, which could include your feedback. Legally, Pharmac must consider whether your feedback should be released.
We will consider your views when assessing whether the feedback has to be released. Tell us if there is anything about your feedback that you would prefer wasn’t released.
If your feedback is proposed for release, then Pharmac will contact you, unless there is a legal reason that we can't.
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