Special Authority details for ADHD treatments
To get funded access to most ADHD treatments, people need a Special Authority.
Special Authorities for ADHD treatments
Pharmac funds many treatments for ADHD. Most of these treatments are funded through a process called Special Authority. This helps ensure medicines are used by people who are most likely to benefit, while managing costs within the public health system.
|
Medicine |
Brand(s) |
Special Authority |
|---|---|---|
|
Methylphenidate (first-line brands) |
Ritalin (IR), Rubifen (IR), Rubifen SR, Methylphenidate ER – Teva, Methylphenidate Sandoz XR |
|
|
Methylphenidate (second-line brands) |
Concerta, Ritalin LA |
|
|
Dexamfetamine |
Noumed Dexamfetamine |
|
|
Lisdexamfetamine |
Vyvanse |
|
|
Atomoxetine |
Generic brands |
No Special Authority required |
Why does methylphenidate have two special authorities?
For methylphenidate, there are two separate special authorities:
SA2546 [PDF](external link) is for brands that are usually tried first and are lower cost.
SA2450 [PDF](external link) is for brands that cost more or are typically used when other options haven’t worked well or aren’t suitable.
These special authorities reflect funding arrangements. This does not mean the brands under each approval can be used interchangeably. Each brand may have different release profiles, formulations, or patient suitability.
Your prescriber will work with you to decide which medicine is most appropriate for your needs and will apply for the correct special authority so you have funded access to the medicine.
What is a special authority?
This is a form a prescriber submits to Health NZ to say that you meet funding requirements for the medicine they are prescribing. Not every medicine has a special authority, but most ADHD treatments do.
You need a special authority for the medicine to be funded. Special authorities for ADHD treatments do not expire, once you have a special authority you have it for life.
You can have multiple special authorities for ADHD treatments at any one time, if you meet the funding criteria. It's a matter for you and your prescriber to decide the best treatment for you – a special authority just means that the treatment is funded.