Testosterone undecanoate (Andriol Testocaps) cap 40 mg: Discontinuation

Merck Sharpe & Dohme is discontinuing the supply of testosterone undecanoate (Andriol Testocaps) cap 40 mg. Pharmac has listed an alternative brand.

New brand listed 

Pharmac has secured an alternative supply of testosterone undecanoate 40mg capsules. The new brand is not Medsafe approved and will be listed as a section 29 medicine. It is listed with wastage rules applied. This product is limited to people prescribed testosterone undecanoate before 1 November 2021.

Listed from 1 August 2022:

  • Chemical: Testosterone undecanoate
  • Presentation: 40mg capsule 
  • Pharmacode: 2636840
  • Brand: Steril-Gene
  • Pack size: 100
  • Subsidy and price (ex-man, ex-GST): $35.00 

Prescribing and supplying a medicine under section 29

Section 29 of the Medicines Act 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 – e.g., doctors. 

We know supplying a medicine under section 29 is not ideal. In this case, however, the alternative would be for patients to have no testosterone undecanoate.

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. 

Prescriber and pharmacist requirements for section 29 medicines – Medsafe website(external link)

What patients need to know about section 29 medicines – Health Navigator website(external link) 

Who to contact

If you have questions about supply, contact your wholesaler. 

If you have questions about funding for testosterone undecanoate, email us on enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz