Description

Julie Legg chats with Darrin Bull, spokesperson for ADHD New Zealand, about the changes newly announced by Pharmac that promise to reshape ADHD treatment accessibility in New Zealand. 

From December 1, 2024, Pharmac will fund lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), a next-generation ADHD medication, and remove the two-year psychiatrist renewal requirement for prescriptions. Darrin highlights the benefits of these changes, long-advocated by ADHD New Zealand, that aims to address significant barriers faced by those with ADHD.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Funding of Vyvanse: From December 1, 2024, Pharmac in New Zealand will fund lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), a next-generation ADHD stimulant medication.
• Removal of Renewal Criteria: The requirement to renew ADHD medication prescriptions every two years via a psychiatrist will be eliminated.
• Benefits of new medication: Offers fewer side effects, especially related to sleep. Reduces addiction risks compared to older stimulants. Serves as an additional option, but not a universal solution—effectiveness varies among individuals.
• Access: Special Authority approval from a psychiatrist will still be needed to start using  lisdexamfetamine .
• Advocacy: ADHD New Zealand advocated for these changes for nearly a decade, as prior renewal requirements posed significant barriers for patients. These changes didn’t happen overnight. ADHD New Zealand has been advocating tirelessly for years—holding 339 meetings since 2018 alone—to make these advancements a reality. 

LINKS

• Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024) 
• ADHDifference - Instagram
• ADHD New Zealand 
• Pharmac’s Press Release 11-Nov-24 

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