South Africa Faces Rivaroxaban Tablet Supply Shortage
The National Department of Health has implemented alternative procurement processes for the affected anticoagulant medications.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Healthcare
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South Africa is currently facing a supply shortage of three strengths of rivaroxaban tablets used by healthcare facilities. The National Department of Health issued a circular on 23 October 2026 outlining the disruption and emergency procurement measures.
Why it matters
This disruption impacts patients reliant on anticoagulant therapy, prompting health authorities to facilitate access to supplies through alternative vendors. Healthcare providers are now managing treatment plans by utilising substitute medications where necessary.
The shortage impacts the 10mg, 15mg, and 20mg tablet strengths of rivaroxaban, which is the national contracted supply. Viatris Healthcare (Pty) Ltd is currently the primary contracted national supplier for these medications.
The players
National Department of Health
This is the primary government authority responsible for the oversight and management of the national public healthcare system in South Africa.
Viatris Healthcare (Pty) Ltd
This organisation is a global healthcare company currently serving as the contracted national supplier for rivaroxaban in South Africa.
The details
Provinces are now permitted to source rivaroxaban from alternative suppliers including Innovata Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, and Adcock Ingram Healthcare to mitigate the impact. Clinicians have been provided with guidance to transition patients to injectable anticoagulants like enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin based on individual patient conditions.
Timeline
23 October 2026: The National Department of Health issued the formal circular regarding supply shortages.
November 2026: Expected resumption of supply for 10mg and 20mg rivaroxaban tablets.
December 2026: Expected return of supply for 15mg rivaroxaban tablets.
Market Landscape
The supply disruption highlights the fragility of national pharmaceutical contracts when relying on a single primary provider for essential medications. This situation forces a shift toward secondary provincial procurement to ensure continuity of care within the national health framework.
Patients may notice changes to their anticoagulant prescriptions as doctors transition them to alternative treatments like enoxaparin or heparin. It is recommended that patients consult their healthcare providers to discuss how these temporary procurement changes affect their specific treatment plans.
The takeaway
Patients should remain in close contact with their medical providers to ensure their medication needs are met while supply remains intermittent. It is important to confirm the availability of specific tablet strengths at local facilities before scheduled appointments.
Further reading
For more information on national medicine guidelines, visit the South Africa Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newcastillian News.
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