Special Authority
In New Zealand, Special Authority approval is required to access funded stimulant medications like methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and lisdexamfetamine.
If you have had a formal ADHD assessment and diagnosis (in New Zealand or overseas) and are exploring stimulant treatment, we can help. Visit our Medication Management page to learn more.
Special Authority Renewals
Pharmac has announced that the special authority renewal criteria has been removed for specific stimulant treatments
From 1 December 2024, the renewal criteria will be removed from methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and modafinil, making it easier for people who need these treatments to access them.
- What does this mean for you?
Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and modafinil are funded for the treatment of ADHD.
Anyone starting on a stimulant treatment which requires a Special Authority approval, will be able to access funded treatment without the requirement for this approval to be renewed.
Anyone with a current or recent (expired within the last two years) Special Authority approval for these treatments will automatically be issued an approval that is valid without the need for it to be renewed. Pharmac and Health New Zealand will manage this so people do not need to do anything for this to happen.
- Methylphenidate Supply Issues
Pharmac frequently updates their website with information around the current supply issues of methylphenidate.
