Pharmac funds new oral contraceptive pill

Pharmac has decided to fund a new progestogen-only oral contraceptive pill called desogestrel (branded as Cerazette).

Melissa Copland, Pharmac’s Clinical Lead–Medicines Management, says desogestrel will be funded for anyone who needs it from 1 April 2025.

“Desogestrel is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill. It helps prevents pregnancy when taken within a 12-hour window each day, which is a wider window than other funded progestogen-only pills, which is three hours.

“We expect that over 43,000 New Zealanders will benefit from access to this contraceptive in the first year of funding. It will be funded without restrictions, which means it can be prescribed for any relevant use.”

Copland thanked everyone who provided feedback during Pharmac’s public consultation on desogestrel.

“We received a huge amount of positive feedback from people who would benefit from Pharmac’s decision to fund desogestrel.

“They shared with us their personal stories about how this funding decision would improve their health, and in many cases, benefit their lives.

“Many people were also happy that they will have more options for contraceptives. This was particularly important for people who couldn’t take other contraceptives because of side effects or existing health conditions.”

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Medical Director Dr Beth Messenger says desogestrel (Cerazette) is a contraceptive pill with a multitude of potential uses, making it an attractive option for many people.

“Subsidising Cerazette will offer many women the opportunity to try this pill which was previously out of reach. Not only is it a highly effective contraceptive, it can also help manage other reproductive health challenges. As a clinician, this is a great option to have in my prescribing tool kit,” says Dr Messenger.

Pharmac can fund desogestrel following the Government’s $604 million medicine budget increase in June 2024. Since receiving the additional funding, Pharmac has funded 44 medicines for different health conditions and is currently considering 14 more.