New Pharmac proposal for Kiwis with gout

Associate Health Minister David Seymour has welcomed Pharmac’s proposal to widen funded access to febuxostat for people with gout, calling it a step toward improving medicine access in New Zealand. The proposal, if approved, would allow patients to access febuxostat without first trialling probenecid, enabling earlier treatment. Seymour highlighted that gout affects approximately 6% of adult New Zealanders and can lead to severe pain and long-term joint and kidney damage if untreated.

Pharmac’s proposal aims to simplify access by removing the current requirement for patients to trial probenecid before becoming eligible for febuxostat. This change would provide clinicians and patients with two second-line treatment options: febuxostat or probenecid. Febuxostat may be preferred for some due to its once-daily dosing and easier dose adjustments, potentially improving adherence and outcomes.

The proposal is part of a broader effort to make the healthcare system more responsive to patient needs, reducing the burden on other health services. Seymour emphasized that easier access to medicines helps patients stay healthier longer, benefiting both individuals and the health system. The proposal reflects the Government’s focus on improving medicine accessibility for those with chronic conditions.

Pharmac has opened a public consultation on the proposal, running from Wednesday 16 September 2027 to 5pm on Wednesday 30 September 2027. The consultation invites feedback from patients, clinicians, and the public to inform the final decision on widening access to febuxostat.