Source: PHARMAC
Pharmac has confirmed a change in the funded brand of fulvestrant injection, a medicine used to treat certain types of breast cancer.
From 1 December 2025, the funded brand will change to Fulvestrant EVER Pharma (InterPharma). Faslodex will be delisted on 1 May 2026, and Fulvestrant EVER Pharma will then hold Principal Supply Status until 30 June 2028.
“Fulvestrant is the only funded selective oestrogen receptor degrader (SERD) available in New Zealand. Ensuring an appropriate brand of fulvestrant is funded, as well as maintaining continuity of supply is critical for the health and wellbeing of people undergoing treatment,” says Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals Adrienne Martin.
The change follows consultation through the 2024/25 annual Pharmac Tender. To improve transparency around the annual tender process, Pharmac introduced an additional engagement step in 2024/25. As part of this, we engaged with medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, consumers, suppliers, and professional bodies to get their feedback on support required for any brand changes to funded medicines.
Pharmac received over 30 responses, including feedback specific to fulvestrant.
“We heard concerns about safety, tolerability, and treatment continuity,” says Martin.
“We took these concerns seriously and worked with clinicians and consumers in Australia, where multiple generic brands of fulvestrant are available, to understand how the generic brands are used and their experiences with them.
“The feedback we received from patient advocacy groups, clinicians, and suppliers directly informed our selection of the preferred supplier.”
Fulvestrant EVER Pharma does not require refrigeration, which may reduce injection site discomfort and improve ease of use. Most people will not notice any difference in how the medicine is given or how it works. It is approved and widely used in Australia, and it meets the internationally agreed standards for safety, quality and efficacy.
Pharmac is committed to supporting both health professionals and people receiving treatment through this change. Educational materials, brand comparison charts, and patient information leaflets will be available on the Pharmac and Healthify websites. Health professionals are encouraged to discuss the change with patients.
If people experience any issues with the new brand, there are pathways in place within the Exceptional Circumstances framework to access an alternative if clinically necessary.
