Benzbromarone: Discontinuation
The supplier of benzbromarone cannot secure ongoing supply of the 50 mg and 100 mg tablets in New Zealand.
Benzbromarone limited to existing patients only
In November 2020, Pharmac restricted access to benzbromarone to people already taking it. This was not a step we took lightly.
We have had significant difficulty sourcing this product globally. Because supply of any approved or unapproved benzbromarone brand was unpredictable, we had to limit access.
We secured a small amount of benzbromarone. This is supplied as an unapproved medicine.
Long-term supply of benzbromarone is not guaranteed.
Other funded alternatives
There are other funded and effective treatments for gout available. The Gout Guide provides clinicians practical tools and insights for gout treatment.
The guide was developed following a project funded by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Long-Term Conditions Directorate. Ongoing support is provided by Health Literacy NZ and Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Who to contact
If you have questions about funding for gout treatments, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz