Efavirenz with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil (Viatris): Supply issue

Affected product

Viatris advise that there are delays at the manufacturer which will affect the supply of the following product until May 2025.

Efavirenz with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil

• Presentation: Tab 600 mg with emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir disoproxil 245 mg (300 mg as a maleate)
• Brand: Viatris
• Pharmacode: 2644967
• Subsidy: $106.88
• Measure / Qty: per 30 

Schedule listing(external link)

Alternative listed

Viatris has sourced an alternative and it will be listed from 1 February 2025. The alternative is not Medsafe approved and will have to be prescribed and dispensed in line with the Medicines Act.

• Brand: Triovir
• Pharmacode: 2698935
• Subsidy: $106.88
• Measure / Qty: per 30 
• Wastage claimable

We have prepared a flier to support conversations with people about being dispensed a section 29 medicine. 

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)

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)