In order to cover a delay in New Zealand supply, Pharmac has announced that it will be switching both strengths of Atazanavir Viatris to a European-packaged version over the next few months, starting end-of September. This news is relevant for people living with HIV who take this antiretroviral (ART) medicine.

What does this mean for me?

Not much. To address the supply gap, Pharmac have secured Atazanavir that was originally destined for France and Italy. It is manufactured at the same site and contains identical ingredients. This medicine remains fully funded.

The differences

The switch is kind of giving Euro Summer.

Because the drug was set for French and Italian pharmacies, the packaging is a little different to what we're used to. The alternate product will be supplied in foil strips, rather than a bottle. And, although the blisters have been repackaged into generic, Aotearoa-standard cartons, the foil strips may contain French text for the 150 mg strength and Italian text for the 200 mg strength.

What you can expect

• The same active ingredients and filler
• A box with sealed tablet trays, rather than a rattly bottle
• Some French or Italian text printed on the blister trays
• That’s all!

What happens now?

Because this is the exact same medicine, we don't anticipate any changes needed to your regular ART regimen. 

Regular New Zealand-labelled stock should become available again from mid-to-late October.

Continue on as usual and remember that this is the same medication: it's just had a costume change.