Over 60 per cent of New Zealanders have leftover or unwanted prescription medications in their home. Having excess medicine at home might be considered a good thing from a consumer's perspective, but the potential consequences of oversupply can be serious and need to be considered by the healthcare team.
ADHD medicines supply change
ADHD medicines supply change
From 1 June, methylphenidate and dexamfetamine are funded for up to three months’ supply when prescribed through the New Zealand ePrescription Service (NZePS). Dispensing frequency remains monthly, and the maximum amount of medicine at each dispensing does not change.1
Supply via NZePS may improve equity of access to ADHD medicines, as patients now only need to obtain a new prescription every three months (supply by paper prescription remains limited to one month). Prescribers can issue prescriptions with shorter supply periods, or increase dispensing frequency, as appropriate.1
This Pharmaceutical Schedule rule change aligns funding with December 2022 legislative changes expanding the NZePS.2
Visit the online Pharmac consultations page for more information.
References
- Pharmac. Decision to amend the Pharmaceutical Schedule Rules on prescribing and dispensing of methylphenidate and dexamfetamine. 1 May 2023. pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/decision-to-amend-the-pharmaceutical-schedule-rules-on-prescribing-and-dispensing-of-methylphenidate-and-dexamfetamine Accessed 9 May 2023.
- Manatu Hauora Ministry of Health. Media release. Expansion of New Zealand ePrescription Service to include controlled drug medicines. 2 December 2022. health.govt.nz/news-media/news-items/expansion-new-zealand-eprescription-service-include-controlled-drug-medicines#:~:text=Amendments%20to%20the%20Misuse%20of,prescriptions%20for%20controlled%20drug%20medicines. Accessed 9 May 2023.
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