Source: PHARMAC
Pharmac has awarded contracts to a range of suppliers following its annual tender process, which will mean 19 medicines will be changing brands in the coming months.
The annual tender is one of the ways that Pharmac manages the fixed budget it receives from the Government to fund medicines for New Zealanders. This budget must cover the medicines Pharmac already funds, and remaining funds can be used to fund new medicines.
“We use the annual tender process to free up budget to fund new medicines and reduce the cost for those we already fund. When a medicine is no longer under patent suppliers can sell a generic, often more affordable, version,” says Geraldine MacGibbon, Director of Pharmaceuticals.
Each year, Pharmac invites suppliers to bid to be the main supplier of medicines that are no longer under patent. Depending on which supplier’s bid is successful, the brand of medicine that New Zealanders use could change.
Last year Pharmac used the annual tender process to make several brand changes.
“We heard from the community they hadn’t been consulted – and that their voices weren’t heard. So, this year, we introduced a new step to understand how brand changes might affect people and what support they may need,” says MacGibbon.
In May this year, Pharmac consulted on 38 medicines that could change brands. These included medicines that frequently change brands and those that don’t. The suitability of each medicine was assessed by the Tender Clinical Advisory Committee, made up of expert pharmacists, doctors, and nurses.
“We know that a changing the brand of medicine you take can have an impact,” says MacGibbon. “That’s why we added this step – to hear directly from those affected and make sure we’re planning the right kind of support.”
The feedback highlighted the need for clear communication, tailored support, and consideration of individual circumstances – especially for children, older adults, neurodiverse individuals, and people with serious health conditions.
“We heard that changes in packaging, formulation, or excipients (binding ingredients and fillers) can affect how well a medicine works for some people,” says MacGibbon. “Health professionals told us that, if these brand changes were to happen, they need timely updates and practical tools to help manage them safely.”
Pharmac will provide resources to help people understand and adjust to any brand changes. It will also work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure they have the tools and information they need to support their patients.
“I want to thank everyone that took the time to give us your feedback. Your input has guided our approach, and has an impact on the decisions we make,” MacGibbon says.
