Source: PHARMAC
Pharmac will fund an additional brand of methylphenidate for people with ADHD – Methylphenidate Sandoz XR – from 1 December 2025. This follows public consultation and is part of our efforts to improve access to ADHD treatment and ease ongoing supply issues.
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR will be available in the same strengths as Concerta – 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg. It will be funded alongside existing brands, under current eligibility criteria(external link). Around 3,800 people are expected to benefit in the first year.
“Methylphenidate plays an important role in supporting people with ADHD,” says Pharmac’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Hughes. “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.”
Since September 2023, all brands and strengths of methylphenidate in New Zealand have been affected by global supply disruptions. These are expected to continue into 2026 due to global demand, manufacturing limits, and restrictions on importing and exporting controlled medicines.
“Adding another brand will help increase the overall supply and reduce the likelihood of shortages,” says Dr Hughes. “It also supports upcoming changes in February 2026, when more health professionals – including GPs and nurse practitioners – will be able to prescribe ADHD medicines.”
This builds on earlier work done by Pharmac to ease ongoing supply issues, including funding lisdexamfetamine and removing renewal criteria for funded ADHD treatments in late 2024.
Pharmac received 149 responses to its September consultation. Most people supported the proposal, saying it would reduce stress, improve access, and help avoid treatment delays.
Some people raised concerns about the ongoing supply issues – whether everyone would be able to get the new brand, and if adding another option would really ease the shortages. Others said they wanted clearer and more consistent information from Pharmac and had questions about how the brands might differ.
“We appreciate the feedback we received,” says Dr Hughes. “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.”
Pharmac will continue to monitor supply and work with suppliers, health professionals, and people using ADHD medicines to help them get the treatment they need.
