Proposal to fund a new brand of methylphenidate hydrochloride
Have your say
We’re proposing to fund another brand of methylphenidate modified-release:
- Methylphenidate Sandoz XR, supplied by Sandoz
It would be funded from 1 December 2025 for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a generic version of the already funded brand of extended-release methylphenidate, Concerta.
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR has been approved by Medsafe. Medsafe is the organisation responsible for assessing the quality, efficacy, and safety of medicines in New Zealand.
Consultation closes at 5 pm, Wednesday, 1 October 2025 and feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz or use our online form.
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 a new brand of methylphenidate would help increase the overall supply and reduce the risk of shortages. It also helps prepare for changes coming in February 2026, when more health professionals, including GPs and nurse practitioners, will be able to prescribe ADHD medicines.
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 August 2023 and are expected to continue throughout 2025. We have been working with the current suppliers to manage these supply issues and reduce impacts as much as possible for on people who need these medicines.
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, Methylphenidate Sandoz XR would be funded from 1 December 2025 for people who meet Special Authority criteria [PDF]. 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
- support the upcoming prescriber changes in February 2026
Special Authority SA2411 [PDF](external link)
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.
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
- Medsafe
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
- Pharmaceutical suppliers and wholesalers
About Methylphenidate Sandoz XR
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR would be supplied by Sandoz. It is a generic version of Concerta (which is already funded). It would be available in the same strengths.
Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient and work the same way as the original brands.
Funding criteria
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR would have the same Special Authority criteria as Ritalin, Rubifen, Rubifen SR and Methylphenidate ER – Teva.
Special Authority 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 Concerta (which is second line). Noting that narcolepsy would not be a Medsafe approved indication.
Medsafe approval
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR has been approved by Medsafe.
Details about our proposal
From 1 December 2025, methylphenidate hydrochloride (Methylphenidate Sandoz XR) 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 |
Tab modified release 18 mg |
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR |
30 |
$15.25 |
|
Methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Tab modified release 27 mg |
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR |
30 |
$16.25 |
|
Methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Tab modified release 36 mg |
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR |
30 |
$21.25 |
|
Methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Tab modified release 54 mg |
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR |
30 |
$24.25 |
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR would have protection from delisting and subsidy reduction until 30 November 2028.
Eligibility criteria
Methylphenidate Sandoz XR 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 Special Authority SA2411 [PDF](external link)
To provide feedback
Fill out our online form, or send us an email, consult@pharmac.govt.nz, by 5 pm, Wednesday, 1 October 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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