Proposal to widen access to febuxostat for the treatment of gout

Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to widen access to febuxostat from 1 February 2027 for the treatment of gout in people whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled with allopurinol, or who can’t tolerate allopurinol.

Currently, people must trial both allopurinol and probenecid before becoming eligible for funded febuxostat.

Pharmac is proposing to remove the requirement to trial probenecid. This would give patients and clinicians two options for second-line treatment: febuxostat or probenecid.

Consultation is open until 5pm, Wednesday 30 September 2026. 

You can read the proposal and provide feedback here: Proposal to widen access to febuxostat for the treatment of gout.

Consultation is open until 5pm, Wednesday 30 September 2026. 

We welcome feedback from patients, whānau, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and anyone with an interest in these treatments.

Please feel free to share this consultation with others who may be interested

Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | P: +0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz