Proposal to fund another new brand of methylphenidate hydrochloride
Have your say
We’re proposing to fund another brand of methylphenidate modified-release:
- Rubifen LA, supplied by AFT Pharmaceuticals
Rubifen LA would be funded from 1 July 2026 for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a generic version of the already funded brand of modified-release methylphenidate, Ritalin LA.
Rubifen LA has been approved by Medsafe and meets internationally agreed standards for safety, quality, and efficacy.
Consultation closes at 5 pm, Thursday, 4 December 2025 and feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz or
Why are we proposing to fund more methylphenidate?
We know that getting ADHD medicines has been difficult, with different brands and strengths being unavailable at times. This has been a global issue with demand increasing worldwide.
About the methylphenidate supply issue in New Zealand
Adding another new brand of methylphenidate would help increase the overall supply and reduce the risk of shortages. It also would provide more options for people and their healthcare providers to choose from when the prescriber restrictions for methylphenidate change in February 2026.
Decision to change the regulatory and funding restrictions for stimulant medicines for ADHD
These supply issues have affected all methylphenidate formulations in New Zealand since September 2023 and are expected to continue into 2026.
We have been working with the current suppliers to manage these supply issues and reduce the impact as much as possible for people who need these medicines.
This proposal follows a recent decision by Pharmac to fund the Methylphenidate Sandoz XR brand of methylphenidate hydrochloride from 1 December 2025. Funding Rubifen LA would provide another long-acting option for people to use.
The proposal is part of Pharmac’s work to make sure people can access ADHD treatments that are right for them.
What would the effect be?
If this proposal is approved, Rubifen LA would be funded from 1 July 2026 for people who meet Special Authority criteria [PDF](external link). This would:
- increase the number of brands and presentations available, which would help increase supply and help address shortages in New Zealand.
- give prescribers and people with ADHD more options to find a product that suits them
The proposed list date of 1 July 2026 is due to manufacturing timeframes and when AFT can have the product in New Zealand ready for people to use.
Currently funded brands would continue to be available. People can talk to their prescriber about what would work best for them from the options available. The Methylphenidate Sandoz XR brand will also be funded from 1 December 2025.
Who we think will be interested
- People with ADHD, their whānau, and caregivers
- Paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, general practitioners, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals involved in the care of people with ADHD
- Groups who support and advocate for people with ADHD
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
- Pharmaceutical suppliers and wholesalers
About Rubifen LA
Rubifen LA would be supplied by AFT. It is a generic version of Ritalin LA (which is already funded). It would be available in the same strengths, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg, with an additional 60 mg strength also being available.
Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient and work the same way as the original brands.
Funding criteria
Rubifen LA would have the same Special Authority criteria as Ritalin, Rubifen, Rubifen SR and Methylphenidate ER – Teva and Sandoz XR from 1 December 2025 (SA2411 [PDF](external link)). This means it would be funded as a first treatment option for people with ADHD or narcolepsy even though it is a generic of Ritalin LA (which is second line). Noting that narcolepsy would not be a Medsafe approved indication.
Medsafe approval
Rubifen LA has been approved by Medsafe.
Rubifen LA Data Sheet | Medsafe [PDF](external link)
Rubifen LA Consumer Medicine Information | Medsafe [PDF](external link)
Details about our proposal
From 1 July 2026, methylphenidate hydrochloride (Rubifen LA) would be listed in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule as follows:
|
Chemical |
Formulation |
Brand |
Pack size |
Price and subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Cap modified-release 10 mg |
Rubifen LA |
30 |
$14.82 |
|
Methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Cap modified-release 20 mg |
Rubifen LA |
30 |
$19.38 |
|
Methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Cap modified-release 30 mg |
Rubifen LA |
30 |
$24.24 |
|
Methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Cap modified-release 40 mg |
Rubifen LA |
30 |
$29.07 |
|
Methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Cap modified-release 60 mg |
Rubifen LA |
30 |
$34.68 |
Rubifen LA would have protection from delisting and subsidy reduction until 30 November 2028.
Eligibility criteria
Rubifen LA would be listed in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule with the current eligibility criteria for methylphenidate hydrochloride. Similar eligibility criteria would apply in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Methylphenidate hydrochloride SA2411 [PDF](external link)
To provide feedback
Fill out our online form, or send us an email, consult@pharmac.govt.nz, by 5 pm, Thursday, 4 December 2025.
All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by Pharmac’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.
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