Pharmac has confirmed changes to Special Authority renewal requirements for selected medicines and products.
From 1 December 2025, renewal will no longer be required for the following treatments:
insulin pump consumables for type 1 diabetes
continuous glucose monitors (interoperable and standalone) for type 1 diabetes
LAMA/LABA inhalers for respiratory conditions
epoetin alfa for chronic renal failure
budesonide capsules for Crohn’s disease and microscopic colitis
febuxostat for gout
This change supports updates to the Pharmaceutical Schedule rules to allow for longer prescription periods.
More information is available on the Pharmac website.
Pharmac thanks everyone who provided feedback during consultation, your input helped shape this decision.
Kathy joined Pinnacle earlier this month as clinical diabetes specialist for Waikato, replacing the role previously held by Anne Waterman.
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