July 2026 Tender Notification
What we’re doing
Pharmac is announcing recent decisions from its Annual Invitation to Tender (ITT) process. This notification includes:
- details about decisions made for medicines included in the 2024/25 ITT and 2025/26 ITT, following the consultations for medicines where Pharmac was considering a possible brand change; and
- a summary of the feedback we received during the consultation.
You can see the full technical details of the tender decisions in the Tender Results section.
The table below provides a summary of the outcomes for the remaining unresolved medicines from the 2024/25 ITT that were included in the May 2025 and July 2025 brand change consultations.
| Medicine | What medicine is used for | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium gluconate inj 10% | Used to treat acute hypocalcaemia; hypocalcaemic tetany; hyperkalaemia with secondary cardiac toxicity; and hypermagnesaemia. | Still under consideration. |
| Iron (as Ferric Carboxymaltose) inj 50 mg per ml, 10 ml vial | An iron infusion used to treat iron-deficiency or anemia. | Still under consideration. |
| Ivermectin tab 3 mg | Used to treat certain types of parasite infections, and for scabies when other treatments have not worked well. | Brand Change. |
| Nilotinib cap 150 mg | Used to treat newly diagnosed chronic phase Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia, chronic or accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia resistant or intolerant to previous therapy. | Still under consideration. |
| Nilotinib cap 200 mg | Still under consideration. | |
| Raltegravir potassium tab 600 mg | Used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. | Still under consideration. |
| Sunscreens, proprietySPF 50+ or greater | Used to help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) light when outdoors. | Still under consideration. |
| Water for injection purified for inj, 500 ml bag | 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. | Still under consideration. |
| Xylometazoline nasal spray 0.1% | Used to help nasal congestion. | Still under consideration. |
Why we’re doing this
Pharmac’s annual tender process allows suppliers to bid to be the main supplier of off-patent medicines. This year’s tender is expected to free up between $30 million and $50 million, which will be reinvested into funding new treatments or making existing treatments available to even more people.
Pharmac consulted on potential brand changes for some medicines included in the 2024/25 ITT in May 2025 and July 2025, and for some medicines included in the 2025/26 ITT in April 2026. Feedback received during these consultations has helped shape our decisions.
How your feedback helped
The feedback received is considered as part of the decision-making process and has helped shape our implementation activities to support people through brand changes. We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback. We heard from a range of people including healthcare professionals, advocacy groups and users of medicines. You provided feedback about:
- packaging and labelling considerations
- the resources and communications needed to support a brand change
- the people who may need additional support when undergoing a brand change
Who may be most interested
- People who use funded medicines
- Healthcare professionals
- Advocacy groups
- Suppliers
If you have any questions about the decisions in this notification, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz; or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 660 050.
Tender results – 2025/26 Invitation to Tender
Pharmac has resolved to award or not award tenders for Principal Supply Status for some products included in the 2024/25 Invitation dated 31 October 2026 and in the 2025/26 Invitation to Tender dated 3 November 2025.
Some of the Pharmaceuticals that will be delisted when the period of Principal Supply Status commences may be subject to existing listing contracts with Pharmac. Suppliers of Pharmaceuticals that are subject to such contracts should continue to supply their Pharmaceutical under those contracts. Pharmac will continue to subsidise those Pharmaceuticals accordingly until such time as those Pharmaceuticals are delisted.
Notification of Product Changes (NOPC) forms
Please note that for any changes (price change, pack size change, new listing etc) to be effective in the Pharmaceutical Schedule (including Section H), suppliers are required to submit a Notification of Product Changes (NOPC) form to Pharmac, the Pharmacy Guild and the NZULM by:
- For new listings, by 4pm on the 12th of August 2026 or the 5th of the month prior to listing, whichever is earlier
- For price changes, by 4pm on the 12th of the month prior to the date of subsidy change
Pharmac cannot list a product (and Pharmacies cannot claim) without this information. More information about this process, and a copy of the NOPC form can be found on our website.
Process for notification of product changes
Suppliers are required to ensure that a Pharmacode has been obtained from the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand(external link) (external link)and that a CTPP code has been obtained from the New Zealand Universal List of Medicines(external link). Pharmacodes and CTPP codes must be provided to Pharmac by the 5th of the month prior to the date of listing, or 10 business days following the market notification date (whichever is earliest). Pharmac cannot list a product (and Pharmacies cannot claim) without the correct Pharmacode.
2024/25 Invitation to Tender – Principal Supply Status applies until 30 June 2028
Community Pharmaceutical tenders – Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule
1. Tenders awarded to pharmaceuticals where at least one other brand is listed (the funded brand will change).
|
Chemical name |
Presentation; Pack size and type |
Current pack price |
New pack price |
Principal Supply brand (Supplier) |
Date of subsidy change |
Principal Supply date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ivermectin |
Tab 3 mg; 4 tablet blister pack |
$17.20 |
$11.28 |
Ivermectin ADVZ (Boucher) |
1 March 2027 |
1 August 2027 |
Hospital Pharmaceutical tenders – Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
2. Tenders awarded to pharmaceuticals where at least one other brand is listed (the funded brand will change).
|
Chemical name |
Presentation; Pack size and type |
Current pack price |
New pack price |
Principal Supply brand (Supplier) |
DV Limit |
Date of subsidy change |
Principal Supply date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ivermectin |
Tab 3 mg; 4 tablet blister pack |
$17.20 |
$11.28 |
Ivermectin ADVZ (Boucher) |
5% |
1 March 2027 |
1 August 2027 |
2025/26 Invitation to Tender – Principal Supply Status applies until 30 June 2029
Community Pharmaceutical tenders – Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule
3. Tenders awarded to currently listed pharmaceuticals where no other brand is listed (no brand change).
| Chemical name | Presentation; Pack size and type | Current pack price | New pack price | Principal Supply brand (Supplier) | Date of subsidy change | Principal Supply date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Acitretin |
Cap 10 mg; 60 capsule blister pack |
$26.20 |
$30.13 |
Novatretin (Douglas) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Acitretin |
Cap 25 mg; 60 capsule blister pack |
$57.37 |
$65.98 |
Novatretin (Douglas) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Alendronate sodium |
Tab 70 mg; 4 tablet blister pack |
$3.10 |
$4.10 |
Fosamax (Organon) |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Amlodipine |
Tab 2.5 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$1.45 |
$2.11 |
Vasorex (Rex Medical) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Amlodipine |
Tab 5 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$1.21 |
$1.54 |
Vasorex (Rex Medical) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Amlodipine |
Tab 10 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$1.31 |
$1.74 |
Vasorex (Rex Medical) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid |
Tab 500 mg; 10 tablet blister pack |
$1.59 |
$1.66 |
Curam Duo 500/125 (Sandoz) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Anastrozole |
Tab 1 mg; 30 tablet blister pack |
$4.39 |
$6.25 |
Anatrole (Viatris) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Aspirin |
Tab dispersible 300 mg; 100 tablet blister pack |
$5.65 |
$6.20 |
Ethics Aspirin (Multichem) |
1 November 2026 |
1 April 2027 |
|
Atropine sulphate |
Eye drops 1%; 15 ml dropper bottle (OP) |
$18.27 |
$19.18 |
Atropt (Aspen) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Benzylpenicillin sodium [Penicillin G] |
Inj 600 mg (1 million units); 10 vial pack |
$16.50 |
$27.43 |
Sandoz (Sandoz) |
1 September 2026 |
1 April 2027 |
|
Betahistine dihydrochloride |
Tab 16 mg; 100 tablet blister pack |
$3.70 |
$6.55 |
Serc (Viatris) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Bisoprolol fumarate |
Tab 2.5 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$1.36 |
$1.36 |
Ipca-Bisoprolol (Miro) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Bisoprolol fumarate |
Tab 5 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$1.91 |
$2.00 |
Ipca-Bisoprolol (Miro) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Bisoprolol fumarate |
Tab 10 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$2.71 |
$2.95 |
Ipca-Bisoprolol (Miro) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Calcium carbonate |
Tab 1.25 g (500 mg elemental); 250 tablet bottle pack |
$7.28 |
$7.48 |
Calci-Tab 500 (AFT) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Captopril |
Oral liquid 5 mg per ml; 100 ml bottle pack (OP) |
$86.00 |
$98.90 |
DP-Captopril (Douglas) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Cefazolin |
Inj 500 mg; 5 vial pack |
$3.39 |
$3.48 |
Cefazolin-AFT (AFT) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Cefazolin |
Inj 1 g; 5 vial pack |
$3.59 |
$3.59 |
Cefazolin-AFT (AFT) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Cefazolin |
Inj 2 g; 5 vial pack |
$7.09 |
$7.09 |
Cefazolin-AFT (AFT) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Clonidine |
Patch 2.5 mg, 100 mcg per day; 4 patch carton |
$11.70 |
$17.64 |
Mylan (Viatris) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Clonidine |
Patch 5 mg, 200 mcg per day; 4 patch carton |
$12.80 |
$20.26 |
Mylan (Viatris) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Clonidine |
Patch 7.5 mg, 300 mcg per day; 4 patch carton |
$17.90 |
$26.49 |
Mylan (Viatris) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Diazepam |
Tab 2 mg; 500 tablet bottle pack |
$95.00 |
$106.40 |
Arrow-Diazepam (TEVA) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Diazepam |
Tab 5 mg; 500 tablet bottle pack |
$115.00 |
$128.80 |
Arrow-Diazepam (TEVA) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Docusate Sodium |
Tab 50 mg; 100 tablet bottle pack |
$3.20 |
$3.53 |
Coloxyl (Aspen) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Docusate Sodium |
Tab 120 mg; 100 tablet bottle pack |
$4.98 |
$5.65 |
Coloxyl (Aspen) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Donepezil hydrochloride |
Tab 5 mg; 84 tablet blister pack |
$3.70 |
$3.85 |
Ipca-Donepezil (Miro) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Donepezil hydrochloride |
Tab 10 mg; 84 tablet blister pack |
$5.50 |
$5.90 |
Ipca-Donepezil (Miro) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Escitalopram1 |
Tab 10 mg; 28 tablet blister pack |
$0.79 |
$0.95 |
Ipca-Escitalopram (Miro) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Escitalopram |
Tab 20 mg; 28 tablet blister pack |
$1.49 |
$1.80 |
Ipca-Escitalopram (Miro) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Exemestane |
Tab 25 mg; 30 tablet blister pack |
$9.86 |
$18.97 |
Exemestane Pfizer (Pfizer) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Finasteride |
Tab 5 mg; 100 tablet blister pack |
$4.79 |
$5.11 |
Ricit (Rex Medical) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Glucose [Dextrose] |
Inj 50% 10 ml ampoule; 5 glass ampoule pack |
$34.75 |
$37.25 |
Biomed (Biomed) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Glucose [Dextrose] |
Inj 50% 90 ml; 90 ml bottle packml |
$17.50 |
$19.20 |
Biomed (Biomed) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Hydrocortisone and paraffin liquid and lanolin |
Lotion 1%; 250 ml bottle pack |
$12.83 |
$14.75 |
DP Lotn HC (Douglas) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Hydroxyurea [hydroxycarbamide] |
Cap 500 mg; 100 capsule blister pack |
$20.72 |
$25.98 |
Devatis (Devatis) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Hyoscine butylbromide |
Inj 20 mg, 1 ml; 5 glass ampoule injections |
$1.91 |
$5.54 |
Spazmol (Devatis) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Indapamide |
Tab 2.5 mg; 90 tablet blister pack |
$16.00 |
$20.85 |
Dapa-Tabs (Viatris) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Isosorbide mononitrate |
Tab long-acting 60 mg; 90 tablet blister pack |
$13.50 |
$16.25 |
Duride (Viatris) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Lamivudine |
Tab 100 mg; 28 tablet bottle pack |
$12.06 |
$15.00 |
Zetlam (Viatris) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Lamivudine |
Tab 150 mg; 60 tablet bottle pack |
$98.00 |
$150.00 |
Lamivudine Viatris (Viatris) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Latanoprost with timolol |
Eye drops 0.005% with timolol 0.5%; 2.5 ml dropper bottle (OP) |
$4.95 |
$5.75 |
Arrow - Lattim (Teva) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Miconazole nitrate |
Crm 2%; 15 g tube (OP) |
$0.90 |
$1.10 |
Multichem (Multichem) |
1 December 2026 |
1 May 2027 |
|
Morphine hydrochloride |
Oral liquid 1 mg per ml; 200 ml bottle |
$19.00 |
$23.20 |
RA-Morph (Arrotex) |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Morphine hydrochloride |
Oral liquid 2 mg per ml; 200 ml bottle |
$23.55 |
$27.55 |
RA-Morph (Arrotex) |
1 November 2026 |
1 April 2027 |
|
Morphine hydrochloride |
Oral liquid 5 mg per ml; 200 ml bottle |
$28.20 |
$33.00 |
RA-Morph (Arrotex) |
1 November 2026 |
1 April 2027 |
|
Morphine hydrochloride |
Oral liquid 10 mg per ml; 200 ml bottle |
$40.25 |
$47.00 |
RA-Morph (Arrotex) |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Nifedipine |
Tab long-acting 20 mg; 100 tablet bottle pack |
$17.72 |
$20.38 |
Nyefax Retard (Douglas) |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Nystatin |
Oral liquid 100,000 u per ml; 24 ml bottle pack |
$2.22 |
$2.73 |
Nilstat (Aspen) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Nystatin |
Vaginal crm 100,000 u per 5 g with applicator(s) ; 75 g tube (OP) |
$5.70 |
$5.87 |
Nilstat (Aspen) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Omeprazole |
Cap 10 mg; 90 capsule bottle |
$2.06 |
$2.25 |
Omeprazole Teva (Teva) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Omeprazole |
Cap 20 mg; 90 capsule bottle |
$2.02 |
$2.20 |
Omeprazole Teva (Teva) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Omeprazole |
Cap 40 mg; 90 capsule bottle |
$3.18 |
$3.40 |
Omeprazole Teva (Teva) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Ondansetron |
Tab disp 4 mg; 100 tablet blister pack |
$0.56 (per 10) |
$4.25 |
Periset ODT (Miro) |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Ondansetron |
Tab disp 8 mg; 100 tablet blister pack |
$0.90 (per 10) |
$7.00 |
Periset ODT (Miro) |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Paracetamol |
Suppository 125 mg; 10 suppository pack |
$4.29 |
$4.93 |
Gacet (AFT) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Paracetamol |
Suppository 250 mg; 10 suppository pack |
$5.39 |
$6.20 |
Gacet (AFT) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Paracetamol |
Suppository 500 mg; 50 suppository pack |
$16.55 |
$18.00 |
Gacet (AFT) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Pine tar with trolamine laurilsulfate and fluorescein |
Soln 2.3% with trolamine laurilsulfate and fluorescein sodium; 500 ml bottle |
$5.41 |
$8.99 |
Pinetarsol (Healthcare by Douglas) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Poloxamer |
Oral drops 10%; 30 ml bottle |
$4.17 |
$4.38 |
Coloxyl (Aspen) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Potassium iodate |
Tab 253 mcg (150 mcg elemental iodine); 90 tablet pack |
$5.99 |
$6.94 |
NeuroTabs (AFT) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Pyridoxine hydrochloride |
Tab 25 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$3.43 |
$4.18 |
Vitamin B6 25 (Evara) |
1 December 2026 |
1 May 2027 |
|
Rifampicin |
Oral liquid 100 mg per 5 ml; 60 ml bottle pack |
$12.60 |
$14.10 |
Rifadin (Sanofi) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Rifampicin |
Cap 150 mg; 100 capsule blister pack |
$58.54 |
$68.40 |
Rifadin (Sanofi) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Rifampicin |
Cap 300 mg; 100 capsule blister pack |
$122.06 |
$122.06 |
Rifadin (Sanofi) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Roxithromycin |
Tab 150 mg; 50 tablet blister pack |
$13.19 |
$18.10 |
Arrow-Roxithromycin (Teva) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Roxithromycin |
Tab 300 mg; 50 tablet blister pack |
$25.00 |
$35.69 |
Arrow-Roxithromycin (Teva) |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Temazepam |
Tab 10 mg; 25 tablet blister pack |
$1.40 |
$1.47 |
Normison (Aspen) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Terbinafine |
Tab 250 mg; 84 tablet blister pack |
$8.97 |
$12.53 |
Deolate (Rex Medical) |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Tobramycin |
Solution for inhalation 60 mg per ml, 5 ml; 56 plastic ampoule nebuliser |
$395.00 |
$475.00 |
Tobramycin BNM (Boucher & Muir) |
1 December 2026 |
1 May 2027 |
1The Escitalopram (Ethics) brand of escitalopram tab 10 mg was listed as an Alternative Pharmaceutical and will be delisted on 1 February 2027.
4. Tenders awarded to pharmaceuticals where at least one other brand is listed (the funded brand will change).
| Chemical name | Presentation;Pack size and type | Current pack price | New pack price | Principal Supply brand (Supplier) | Date of subsidy change | Principal Supply date | Brand (Supplier) affected by delisting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Allopurinol |
Tab 100 mg; 500 tablet bottle pack |
$17.99 (per 1000 tabs) |
$6.30 |
DP-Allopurinol (Douglas) |
1 January 2027 |
1 June 2027 |
Ipca-Allopurinol (Miro) |
|
Allopurinol |
Tab 300 mg; 500 tablet bottle pack |
$22.50 |
$15.75 |
DP-Allopurinol (Douglas) |
1 January 2027 |
1 June 2027 |
Ipca-Allopurinol (Miro) |
|
Pravastatin |
Tab 20 mg; 30 tablet blister pack |
$7.16 (per 100) |
$1.87 |
Pravastatin Sandoz (Sandoz) |
1 December 2026 |
1 May 2027 |
Pravastatin Clinect (Clinect) |
|
Pravastatin |
Tab 40 mg; 30 tablet blister pack |
$12.25 (per 100) |
$2.43 |
Pravastatin Sandoz (Sandoz) |
1 December 2026 |
1 May 2027 |
Pravastatin Clinect (Clinect) |
Hospital Pharmaceutical tenders – Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
5. Tenders awarded to currently listed pharmaceuticals where no other brand is listed (no brand change)
| Chemical name | Presentation; Pack size and type | Current pack price | New pack price | Principal Supply brand (Supplier) | DV Limit | Date of subsidy change | Principal Supply date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Acitretin |
Cap 10 mg; 60 capsule blister pack |
$26.20 |
$30.13 |
Novatretin (Douglas) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Acitretin |
Cap 25 mg; 60 capsule blister pack |
$57.37 |
$65.98 |
Novatretin (Douglas) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Alendronate sodium |
Tab 70 mg; 4 tablet blister pack |
$3.10 |
$4.10 |
Fosamax (Organon) |
5% |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Amlodipine |
Tab 2.5 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$1.45 |
$2.11 |
Vasorex (Rex Medical) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Amlodipine |
Tab 5 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$1.21 |
$1.54 |
Vasorex (Rex Medical) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Amlodipine |
Tab 10 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$1.31 |
$1.74 |
Vasorex (Rex Medical) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid |
Tab 500 mg; 10 tablet blister pack |
$1.59 |
$1.66 |
Curam Duo 500/125 (Sandoz) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Anastrozole |
Tab 1 mg; 30 tablet blister pack |
$4.39 |
$6.25 |
Anatrole (Viatris) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Aspirin |
Tab dispersible 300 mg; 100 tablet blister pack |
$5.65 |
$6.20 |
Ethics Aspirin (Multichem) |
5% |
1 November 2026 |
1 April 2027 |
|
Atropine sulphate |
Eye drops 1%; 15 ml dropper bottle |
$18.27 |
$19.18 |
Atropt (Aspen) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Benzylpenicillin sodium [Penicillin G] |
Inj 600 mg (1 million units) via; 10 vial pack |
$16.50 |
$27.43 |
Sandoz (Sandoz) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 April 2027 |
|
Betahistine dihydrochloride |
Tab 16 mg; 100 tablet blister pack |
$3.70 |
$6.55 |
Serc (Viatris) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Bisoprolol fumarate |
Tab 2.5 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$1.36 |
$1.36 |
Ipca-Bisoprolol (Miro) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Bisoprolol fumarate |
Tab 5 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$1.91 |
$2.00 |
Ipca-Bisoprolol (Miro) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Bisoprolol fumarate |
Tab 10 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$2.71 |
$2.95 |
Ipca-Bisoprolol (Miro) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Bupivacaine hydrochloride |
Inj 2.5 mg per ml, 20 ml ampoule sterile pack; 5 plastic ampoule pack |
$28.00 |
$30.80 |
Marcain (Aspen) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Bupivacaine hydrochloride |
Inj 5 mg per ml, 4 ml ampoule; 5 glass ampoule pack |
$62.50 |
$65.63 |
Marcain Isobaric (Aspen) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Calcium carbonate |
Tab 1.25 g (500 mg elemental); 250 tablet bottle pack |
$7.28 |
$7.48 |
Calci-Tab 500 (AFT) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Captopril |
Oral liquid 5mg per ml; 100 ml bottle pack |
$86.00 |
$98.90 |
DP-Captopril (Douglas) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Cefazolin |
Inj 500 mg; 5 vial pack |
$3.39 |
$3.48 |
Cefazolin-AFT (AFT) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Cefazolin |
Inj 1 g; 5 vial pack |
$3.59 |
$3.59 |
Cefazolin-AFT (AFT) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Cefazolin |
Inj 2 g; 5 vial pack |
$7.09 |
$7.09 |
Cefazolin-AFT (AFT) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Cefotaxime |
Inj 1 g; 10 vial pack |
$38.98 |
$99.52 |
DBL Cefotaxime (Pfizer) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Clarithromycin |
Inj 500 mg; 1 vial injection |
$9.10 |
$16.95 |
Klacid IV (Viatris) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Clonidine |
Patch 2.5 mg, 100 mcg per day; 4 patch carton |
$11.70 |
$17.64 |
Mylan (Viatris) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Clonidine |
Patch 5 mg, 200 mcg per day; 4 patch carton |
$12.80 |
$20.26 |
Mylan (Viatris) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Clonidine |
Patch 7.5 mg, 300 mcg per day; 4 patch carton |
$17.90 |
$26.49 |
Mylan (Viatris) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Diazepam |
Tab 2 mg; 500 tablet bottle pack |
$95.00 |
$106.40 |
Arrow-Diazepam (TEVA) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Diazepam |
Tab 5 mg; 500 tablet bottle pack |
$115.00 |
$128.80 |
Arrow-Diazepam (TEVA) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Docusate Sodium |
Tab 50 mg; 100 tablet bottle pack |
$3.20 |
$3.53 |
Coloxyl (Aspen) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Docusate Sodium |
Tab 120 mg; 100 tablet bottle pack |
$4.98 |
$5.65 |
Coloxyl (Aspen) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Donepezil hydrochloride |
Tab 5 mg; 84 tablet blister pack |
$3.70 |
$3.85 |
Ipca-Donepezil (Miro) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Donepezil hydrochloride |
Tab 10 mg; 84 tablet blister pack |
$5.50 |
$5.90 |
Ipca-Donepezil (Miro) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Escitalopram |
Tab 10 mg; 28 tablet blister pack |
$0.79 |
$0.95 |
Ipca-Escitalopram (Miro) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Escitalopram |
Tab 20 mg; 28 tablet blister pack |
$1.49 |
$1.80 |
Ipca-Escitalopram (Miro) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Exemestane |
Tab 25 mg; 30 tablet blister pack |
$9.86 |
$18.97 |
Exemestane Pfizer (Pfizer) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Fentanyl |
Inj 10 mcg per ml, 100 ml premixed bag; 5 bag pack |
$114.25 |
$119.25 |
Biomed (Biomed) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 April 2027 |
|
Finasteride |
Tab 5 mg; 100 tablet blister pack |
$4.79 |
$5.11 |
Ricit (Rex Medical) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Glucose [Dextrose] |
Inj 50% 10 ml; 5 glass ampoule pack |
$34.75 |
$37.25 |
Biomed (Biomed) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Glucose [Dextrose] |
Inj 50% 90 ml; 90 ml bottle packmlml |
$17.50 |
$19.20 |
Biomed (Biomed) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Hydrocortisone and paraffin liquid and lanolin |
Lotion 1%; 250 ml bottle pack |
$12.83 |
$14.75 |
DP Lotn HC (Douglas) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Hydroxyurea |
Cap 500 mg; 100 capsule blister pack |
$20.72 |
$25.98 |
Devatis (Devatis) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Hyoscine butylbromide |
Inj 20 mg, 1 ml; 5 glass ampoule pack |
$1.91 |
$5.54 |
Spazmol (Devatis) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Indapamide |
Tab 2.5 mg; 90 tablet blister pack |
$16.00 |
$20.85 |
Dapa-Tabs (Viatris) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Isosorbide mononitrate |
Tab long-acting 60 mg; 90 tablet blister pack |
$13.50 |
$16.25 |
Duride (Viatris) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Lamivudine |
Tab 100 mg; 28 tablet bottle pack |
$12.06 |
$15.00 |
Zetlam (Viatris) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Lamivudine |
Tab 150 mg; 60 tablet bottle pack |
$98.00 |
$150.00 |
Lamivudine Viatris (Viatris) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Latanoprost with timolol |
Eye drops 0.005% with timolol 0.5%; 2.5 ml dropper bottle |
$4.95 |
$5.75 |
Arrow - Lattim (Teva) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Miconazole nitrate |
Crm 2%; 15 g tube |
$0.90 |
$1.10 |
Multichem (Multichem) |
5% |
1 December 2026 |
1 May 2027 |
|
Morphine hydrochloride |
Oral liquid 1 mg per ml; 200 ml bottle |
$19.00 |
$23.20 |
RA-Morph (Arrotex) |
5% |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Morphine hydrochloride |
Oral liquid 2 mg per ml; 200 ml bottle |
$23.55 |
$27.55 |
RA-Morph (Arrotex) |
5% |
1 November 2026 |
1 April 2027 |
|
Morphine hydrochloride |
Oral liquid 5 mg per ml; 200 ml bottle |
$28.20 |
$33.00 |
RA-Morph (Arrotex) |
5% |
1 November 2026 |
1 April 2027 |
|
Morphine hydrochloride |
Oral liquid 10 mg per ml; 200 ml bottle |
$40.25 |
$47.00 |
RA-Morph (Arrotex) |
5% |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Morphine sulphate |
Inj 1 mg per ml, 10 ml syringe; 5 prefilled syringe pack |
$27.25 |
$30.00 |
Biomed (Biomed) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Morphine sulphate |
Inj 1 mg per ml, 50 ml syringe; 5 prefilled syringe pack |
$63.75 |
$74.75 |
Biomed (Biomed) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Morphine sulphate |
Inj 1 mg per ml, 100 ml bag; 5 bag pack |
$114.25 |
$119.25 |
Biomed (Biomed) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Nifedipine |
Tab long-acting 20 mg; 100 tablet bottle pack |
$17.72 |
$20.38 |
Nyefax Retard (Douglas) |
5% |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Nystatin |
Oral liquid 100,000 u per ml; 24 ml bottle pack |
$2.22 |
$2.73 |
Nilstat (Aspen) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Nystatin |
Vaginal cream 100,000 u per 5 g with applicator(s); 75 g tube |
$5.70 |
$5.87 |
Nilstat (Aspen) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Paracetamol |
Suppository 125 mg; 10 suppository pack |
$4.29 |
$4.93 |
Gacet (AFT) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Paracetamol |
Suppository 250 mg; 10 suppository pack |
$5.39 |
$6.20 |
Gacet (AFT) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Paracetamol |
Suppository 500 mg; 50 suppository pack |
$16.55 |
$18.00 |
Gacet (AFT) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Omeprazole |
Cap 10 mg; 90 capsule bottle |
$2.06 |
$2.25 |
Omeprazole Teva (Teva) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Omeprazole |
Cap 20 mg; 90 capsule bottle |
$2.02 |
$2.20 |
Omeprazole Teva (Teva) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Omeprazole |
Cap 40 mg; 90 capsule bottle |
$3.18 |
$3.40 |
Omeprazole Teva (Teva) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Ondansetron |
Tab disp 4 mg; 100 tablet blister pack |
$0.56 (per 10) |
$4.25 |
Periset ODT (Miro) |
5% |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Ondansetron |
Tab disp 8 mg; 100 tablet blister pack |
$0.90 (per 10) |
$7.00 |
Periset ODT (Miro) |
5% |
1 February 2027 |
1 July 2027 |
|
Pine tar with trolamine laurilsulfate and fluorescein |
Soln 2.3% with trolamine laurilsulfate and fluorescein sodium; 500 ml bottle |
$5.41 |
$8.99 |
Pinetarsol (Healthcare by Douglas) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Poloxamer |
Oral drops 10%; 30 ml bottle |
$4.17 |
$4.38 |
Coloxyl (Aspen) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Potassium iodate |
Tab 253 mcg (150 mcg elemental iodine)); 90 tablet pack |
$5.99 |
$6.94 |
NeuroTabs (AFT) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Pyridoxine hydrochloride |
Tablet 25 mg; 90 tablet bottle pack |
$3.43 |
$4.18 |
Vitamin B6 25 (Evara) |
5% |
1 December 2026 |
1 May 2027 |
|
Remifentanil |
Inj 1 mg; 5 vial pack |
$14.95 |
$15.80 |
Remifentanil-AFT (AFT) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Remifentanil |
Inj 2 mg; 5 vial pack |
$20.95 |
$21.22 |
Remifentanil-AFT (AFT) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Rifampicin |
Oral liquid 100 mg per 5 ml; 60 ml bottle pack |
$12.60 |
$14.10 |
Rifadin (Sanofi) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Rifampicin |
Cap 150 mg; 100 capsule blister pack |
$58.54 |
$68.40 |
Rifadin (Sanofi) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Rifampicin |
Cap 300 mg; 100 capsule blister pack |
$122.06 |
$122.06 |
Rifadin (Sanofi) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Ropivacaine hydrochloride |
Inj 2 mg per ml, 10 ml ampoule; 5 plastic ampoule pack |
$9.80 |
$10.10 |
Ropivacaine Kabi (Fresenius Kabi) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Ropivacaine hydrochloride |
Inj 2 mg per ml, 20 ml ampoule; 5 plastic ampoule pack |
$10.25 |
$10.55 |
Ropivacaine Kabi (Fresenius Kabi) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Ropivacaine hydrochloride |
Inj 2 mg per ml, 100 ml bag; 5 bag pack |
$32.85 |
$33.85 |
Ropivacaine Kabi (Fresenius Kabi) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Ropivacaine hydrochloride |
Inj 2 mg per ml, 200 ml bag; 5 bag pack |
$43.40 |
$44.70 |
Ropivacaine Kabi (Fresenius Kabi) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Ropivacaine hydrochloride |
Inj 7.5 mg per ml, 10 ml ampoule; 5 plastic ampoule pack |
$11.00 |
$11.35 |
Ropivacaine Kabi (Fresenius Kabi) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Ropivacaine hydrochloride |
Inj 7.5 mg per ml, 20 ml ampoule; 5 plastic ampoule pack |
$13.50 |
$13.90 |
Ropivacaine Kabi (Fresenius Kabi) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Ropivacaine hydrochloride |
Inj 10 mg per ml, 10 ml ampoule; 5 plastic ampoule pack |
$11.75 |
$12.00 |
Ropivacaine Kabi (Fresenius Kabi) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Ropivacaine hydrochloride |
Inj 10 mg per ml, 20 ml ampoule; 5 plastic ampoule pack |
$17.60 |
$18.15 |
Ropivacaine Kabi (Fresenius Kabi) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Roxithromycin |
Tab 150 mg; 50 tablet blister pack |
$13.19 |
$18.10 |
Arrow-Roxithromycin (Teva) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Roxithromycin |
Tab 300 mg; 50 tablet blister pack |
$25.00 |
$35.69 |
Arrow-Roxithromycin (Teva) |
5% |
1 October 2026 |
1 March 2027 |
|
Temazepam |
Tab 10 mg; 25 tablet blister pack |
$1.40 |
$1.47 |
Normison (Aspen) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Terbinafine |
Tab 250 mg; 84 tablet blister pack |
$8.97 |
$12.53 |
Deolate (Rex Medical) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 February 2027 |
|
Tobramycin |
Solution for inhalation 60 mg per ml, 5 ml; 56 plastic ampoule nebuliser |
$395.00 |
$475.00 |
Tobramycin BNM (Boucher & Muir) |
5% |
1 December 2026 |
1 May 2027 |
6. Tenders awarded to pharmaceuticals where at least one other brand is listed (the funded brand will change).
| Chemical name | Presentation; Pack size and type | Current pack price | New pack price | Principal Supply brand (Supplier) | DV Limit | Date of subsidy change | Principal Supply date | Brand (Supplier) affected by delisting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Allopurinol |
Tab 100 mg; 500 tablet bottle pack |
$17.99 (per 1000 tabs) |
$6.30 |
DP-Allopurinol (Douglas) |
5% |
1 January 2027 |
1 June 2027 |
Ipca-Allopurinol (Miro) |
|
Allopurinol |
Tab 300 mg; 500 tablet bottle pack |
$22.50 |
$15.75 |
DP-Allopurinol (Douglas) |
5% |
1 January 2027 |
1 June 2027 |
Ipca-Allopurinol (Miro) |
|
Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride |
Inj 100 mcg per ml, 2 ml ampoule; 5 glass ampoule carton |
$42.00 |
$10.28 |
Dexmedetomidine Medsurge (Medsurge) |
5% |
1 September 2026 |
1 April 2027 |
Dexmedetomidine Viatris (Viatris) |
|
Pravastatin |
Tab 20 mg; 30 tablet blister pack |
$7.16 (per 100) |
$1.87 |
Pravastatin Sandoz (Sandoz) |
5% |
1 December 2026 |
1 May 2027 |
Pravastatin Clinect (Clinect) |
|
Pravastatin |
Tab 40 mg; 30 tablet blister pack |
$12.25 (per 100) |
$2.43 |
Pravastatin Sandoz (Sandoz) |
5% |
1 December 2026 |
1 May 2027 |
Pravastatin Clinect (Clinect) |
What you told us
We consulted on potential brand changes for some medicines included in the 2025/26 ITT in April 2026(external link). Feedback from this consultation reflected a range of views, with some recurring themes from last year’s consultations (May and July 2025(external link)). All feedback received has been carefully considered to inform our decisions.
Earlier this year, we also we also engaged with a range of consumer advocacy representatives to understand what a brand change could mean for people and what support may be needed.
We are continuing to consider feedback relating to medicines included in the May 2025, July 2025 and April 2026 potential brand change consultations that are not included in this notification.
The table below outlines the themes identified in the feedback received for the specific medicines included in this notification.
| Theme | Pharmac Comment |
|---|---|
Ivermectin |
|
| We did not receive any feedback specific to ivermectin. | Key general themes from both rounds of consultation have been considered for this brand change decision. |
Allopurinol |
|
|
Provide clear, timely, and accessible information about brand changes, including whether the medicine itself is changing, potential side effects, the impact of differences in appearance or packaging, supply reliability, the rationale for the change, and available options if the new brand is ineffective. Information about the manufacturer and use of the brand in other countries would also support patient confidence and informed decision-making. |
We acknowledge that clear, consistent, multi-channel communications are needed to effectively support brand changes and effective communication is required to minimise the impact on users of medicines. The Tender Clinical Advisory Committee (TCAC) reviewed Douglas’s brand (DP-Allopurinol) of allopurinol tablets and considered it suitable to be the main funded brand of allopurinol in New Zealand. The DP-Allopurinol brand was previously funded from 2017 to 2024, so patients may be familiar with it. The DP-Allopurinol brand is provided in the same type of packaging as the current brand. |
Dexmedetomidine |
|
| Highlighted the importance of clear, consistent labelling and communication during brand changes to ensure patient safety, particularly where changes may affect the medicine's strength, additives, concentration, delivery method, packaging, or appearance. Confidence in the quality and reputation of suppliers was also considered important when transitioning essential medicines. | The Tender Clinical Advisory Committee (TCAC) considered the Medsurge packaging acceptable for Pharmaceutical Schedule Supply (PSS). Pharmac notes that the Medsurge product is the same strength as the currently supplied Viatris product, and that the change from a vial to an ampoule will be clearly communicated to support safe implementation. |
Escitalopram |
|
|
Consider tablet quality, colour and markings. |
This decision is to award the current main funded brand of escitalopram tab 10 mg and tab 20 mg, Ipca-Escitalopram. As there would not be a brand change for the majority of this market, there are no changes in the tablet colour, markings, or packaging for most users. The Tender Clinical Advisory Committee (TCAC) reviewed Miro’s brand (Ipca-Escitalopram) of escitalopram tablets and considered it suitable to be the main funded brand of exemestane in New Zealand. |
|
Feedback noted that changing brands of this medicine may worsen symptoms for some patients and could increase anxiety or depression. Suggested implementation activities included patient information, pharmacist-led communication about the change and symptom monitoring, and targeted communications to prescribers and other health professionals. It was also noted that awareness of a brand change may itself contribute to patient anxiety. |
This decision is to award the current main funded brand of escitalopram tab 10 mg and tab 20 mg, Ipca-Escitalopram. As there would not be a brand change for the majority of this market, there are no changes in the tablet colour, markings, or packaging for most users.
A proportion of the market is currently taking the Ethics brand of escitalopram tab 10 mg and would need to change brands as a result of this tender decision. Should any of these people experience difficulties switching brands, access to an alternative could be accommodated through NPPA within the ABA if needed. Implementation activities to support these patients will include targeted communications to prescribers, pharmacists and other stakeholders, including clear information on the ABA pathway. |
Exemestane |
|
|
Consider tablet quality, colour and markings. |
This decision is to award the currently funded brand of exemestane tab 25 mg, Pfizer Exemestane. As there would not be a brand change in this market, there are no changes in the tablet colour, markings, or packaging.
The Tender Clinical Advisory Committee (TCAC) reviewed Pfizer’s brand of exemestane tablets and considered it suitable to be the main funded brand of exemestane in New Zealand. |
|
Any brand change would require comprehensive, well-coordinated implementation planning across general practice, specialists, and patient communication. |
Thank you for highlighting the aspects to consider associated with brand changes. We recognise that brand changes can be challenging for some patients, and that clear and effective communication is important to support people through any transition and minimise potential impacts. This decision is to award the currently funded brand of exemestane tab 25 mg.
This feedback will help with our considerations in the future. |
|
Even minor differences in taste, formulation, tablet appearance, or packaging may affect patient tolerance and adherence. |
|
Pravastatin |
|
|
Consider tablet quality, colour, and markings. |
The Tender Clinical Advisory Committee (TCAC), reviewed the Sandoz brand, including the tablet features and considered it to be suitable to be the main funded brand of pravastatin in New Zealand. |
|
Feedback received emphasised the importance of ensuring communication of brand changes is clear and consistent. |
As part of implementation, Pharmac staff will provide clear, plain-language communication to the sector, including consumer advocacy groups and healthcare professionals. |