News

Below is the latest information on Pharmac consultations, notifications, and supply issues for Primary Care Prescribers for week 21 November 2025. It includes information on:  New updates Resolved Supply Issues Pharmac funding both Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan brands of oestradiol patches From 1 December 2025, the funded brands of oestradiol patches will be Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot. Everyone who uses funded oestradiol patches will need to use either of these brands. The following...

New medicine supply notices Enalapril: Your brand is changing  The funded brand of enalapril is changing from Acetec to Ipca-Enalapril. It will be listed from 1 December 2025. It is the exact same product as supplied under the Ethics brand. Details and a patient flyer available on the website. Oxycodone oral liquid (Lucis)  (Pharmacode: 2678500) Following the oxycodone tablet supply issue, there is now limited stock of the oral liquid. An alternative brand, Rosemont (Pharmacode 22717239),...

Smarter consults, better care: What to expect at the 2026 Symposium Need a fast and simple toolkit for mental health consults? Sophie Ball can help with that. Insomnia: a very common complaint within general practice. Alex Bartle will walk us through medication options and strategies to deliver some behavioural treatments within a short consultation. Prostate cancer care is changing fast. Discover how to lead smarter testing, engage in better conversations, and follow up more effectively. And...

This link  will take you to the notification of the decision to approve an agreement with Obex Medical Limited (“Obex”) for medical devices in the following categories:  •    adhesives, sealants, and haemostats •    feeding equipment and associated devices •    medical and surgical instruments and power tools  •    medical imaging, software, and associated products  •    patient assessment, monitoring, and treatment •    patient warming and cooling  •    sterilisation and...

Over the last few months, I have met with people across the health sector, spoken at conferences and attended stakeholder meetings. One thing that has struck me - other than the dedication of our health professionals - is that people are unclear on the role of the Ministry of Health, and what we are mandated to do. The Ministry of Health is the Government’s lead adviser on health, ensuring the health system delivers for the current and future needs of all New Zealanders. Audrey Sonerson...

Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to fund another brand of methylphenidate - Rubifen LA - to help ease ongoing supply issues and provide more treatment options for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If approved, this brand would be funded from 1 July 2026.   Proposal to fund a new brand of methylphenidate We welcome your feedback. Consultation is open until 5 pm, Thursday 4 December 2025. Please send your feedback to consult@pharmac.govt.nz  or use the online...