Pharmac To Improve Access To Asthma Inhalers And IUDs From 1 August 2025
'We're making it easier for people to get the medicines they need, when and where they need them,' says Pharmac's Acting Director Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin. 'These changes will help over 140,000 New Zealanders in the first year alone.'
From 1 August 2025, people using some strengths of budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will be able to receive three-months supply all at once, reducing the need for multiple pharmacy visits.
Some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will also be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO). This means doctors and nurses will be able to keep it in their clinic for emergency use, teaching and demonstrations. They will also be able to give it to people if accessing a pharmacy isn't practical.
'These changes mean people can keep inhalers where they need them most – at home, work, or school – and learn how to use them correctly with support from their health care provider.
'People have told us these changes will make a real difference,' says Martin. 'That they support better asthma management and align with updated clinical guidelines.'
Pharmac is also changing how IUDs and contraceptive implants are supplied. From Friday 1 August 2025, Mirena and Jaydess IUDs will be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), allowing doctors and nurses to provide them directly during appointments.
Pharmac is also increasing the number of Jadelle contraceptive implants available on PSO, reducing the number of stock orders clinics need to make, helping to save time - especially those with high patient volumes.
'These changes will improve access for over 21,000 people in the first year and align IUD access with other long-acting contraceptives,' says Martin. 'People have told us that it will remove barriers, reduce delays, and allow for timelier and efficient care.'
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