Pharmac is seeking public feedback on a proposal to fund another brand of ADHD medication, in response to ongoing supply issues.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently treated in New Zealand with brands of methylphenidate, which works by changing the levels of natural substances in the brain to improve attention while decreasing restlessness and impulsivity.
Pharmac has now proposed to fund a new modified-release brand of methylphenidate, called Methylphenidate Sandoz XR, from December 1, 2025.
Released by Sandoz, it is a generic version of the already funded brand of extended-release methylphenidate, Concerta.
This would be available for people with ADHD and narcolepsy who meet the existing eligibility criteria.
On September 10, Pharmac warned of a "worldwide shortage of methylphenidate", and said there may be periods in 2025 where people could not get the brand of methylphenidate they would normally use.
Pharmac's chief medical officer, Dr David Hughes said supply issues had affected all brands and strengths of methylphenidate since September 2023 and were expected to continue this year.
"We know how distressing it's been for people and their families who haven’t been able to get the ADHD medicines they rely on," he said.
Hughes said these disruptions were due to global demand, manufacturing constraints, and restrictions on medicine imports and exports.
“Adding a new brand is intended to help increase the overall supply of methylphenidate and reduce the risk of shortages.
"It also helps us prepare for upcoming changes in February 2026, when more health professionals — including GPs and nurse practitioners — will be able to prescribe ADHD medicines.”
Consultation on the proposal to fund Methylphenidate Sandoz XR from December 1 was open now, and would close on October 1, 2025 at 5pm.
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