Pharmac has confirmed it will fund another brand of ADHD medication from December 1 following positive public consultation.
In September, Pharmac proposed funding a new modified-release brand of methylphenidate – called Methylphenidate Sandoz XR – to improve access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment and offset global supply challenges.
From December 1, the drug buying agency said the additional medication would be available in the same strengths as Concerta – 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg.
It would be funded alongside existing brands, under current eligibility criteria and was expected to benefit around 3800 people in the first year.
Pharmac's chief medical officer Dr David Hughes said methylphenidate played an important role in supporting people with ADHD.
"We understand the difficulties people have faced in accessing their usual medicines, and this funding decision is one way we are responding to those concerns."
Pharmac said there were 149 responses to the September consultation with most supporting the proposal.
People said the additional option would reduce stress, improve access, and help avoid treatment delays.
Some raised concerns about the ongoing supply issues, and whether everyone would be able to get the new brand, and whether funding another option would really ease the shortages.
"Adding another brand will help increase the overall supply and reduce the likelihood of shortages," said Hughes.
There have been ongoing worldwide shortages of methylphenidate since September 2023, affecting all brands and strengths of the medication in New Zealand.
Pharmac said these shortages were expected to continue into 2026 – driven by global demand increases, manufacturing constraints, and trade restrictions.
"It also supports upcoming changes in February, 2026, when more health professionals – including GPs and nurse practitioners – will be able to prescribe ADHD medicines," he said.
"We’ve worked with the supplier to make sure enough stock is available, required minimum stock levels in New Zealand, and are updating our information to support prescribers, pharmacists, and people using ADHD medicines."
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR has also been approved by Medsafe – the authority responsible for assessing the quality, efficacy, and safety of medicines in New Zealand.
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