Proposal to fund the contraceptive pill desogestrel (Cerazette)
What we’re proposing
We want to hear from you about a proposal to fund an oral contraceptive pill, desogestrel (brand name Cerazette) from 1 April 2025.
Desogestrel would be funded with no restrictions, so it could be prescribed for any relevant use. This proposal is through a provisional agreement with Organon.
The Government provided additional funding to Pharmac in June 2024 to fund new medicines and widen access to medicines that are already funded. The funding boost covers medicines for both cancer and non-cancer health conditions. This proposal is one of many that we’re working on to put our budget increase into action.
Questions and answers on Pharmac's budget increase
Consultation closes at 4pm, 18 February 2025 and feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz or submit using our online form.
What would the effect be?
Desogestrel would be funded for any relevant use from 1 April 2025. It would be available via prescription and Practitioner’s Supply Order (PSO). Desogestrel could be dispensed in six monthly amounts, like other funded oral contraceptives.
We anticipate around 43,000 people would benefit from desogestrel in the first full year of funding.
Cerazette would have protection from delisting or subsidy reduction until 1 April 2026.
Who we think will be interested
- People who may be using or considering using contraceptives.
- Whānau and caregivers of people taking or may take this medication.
- Organisations and healthcare professionals who provide sexual and reproductive health services.
- Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand
- Pharmacies
- Pharmaceutical suppliers and wholesalers
About desogestrel
Desogestrel is used to prevent pregnancy, also known as a ‘contraceptive’. It thickens cervical mucus which helps to prevent sperm cells from reaching the uterus. It can also help prevent ovulation (stops the ovaries releasing the egg). Like other contraceptive pills, desogestrel does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
We are aware that desogestrel may also be used for endometriosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or as part of menopausal hormone therapy. These uses have not been approved by Medsafe. Prescribing desogestrel outside of the Medsafe approved indications would need to follow Section 25 of the Medicines Act 1981.
Medsafe Website | Section 25 of the Medicines Act 1981(external link)
Desogestrel is a progestogen which copies the effects of the natural sex hormone, progesterone. Desogestrel is a progestogen only pill (sometimes called a “mini pill”) and does not contain any oestrogens.
Desogestrel is a tablet, taken at about the same time every day. Desogestrel is effective in preventing pregnancy if it is taken within a 12-hour window each day. This is longer than the time window for taking the currently funded progestogen-only pills, which is three hours.
Desogestrel tablets are taken every day without breaks. There are no “sugar pills” (inactive ingredient tablets) included in the monthly pack like some other funded oral contraceptives.
Desogestrel would provide another funded option for people who cannot take or would prefer not to take a contraceptive pill containing oestrogen hormones. Desogestrel can be used when breastfeeding.
Why we’re proposing this
Benefits of funding desogestrel for New Zealanders
Pharmac has received and assessed a funding application for desogestrel for contraception. Our expert advisors told us that desogestrel has suitability advantages over other progestogen-only pills. It is more effective at stopping ovulation and has more flexibility for a missed dose (a 12-hour window instead of three).
Pharmac currently funds two other progestogen-only pills, levonorgestrel (branded as Microlut) and norethisterone (branded as Noriday 28). Over the last few years there have been substantial supply disruptions in the contraceptive market. Funding desogestrel would provide another option for people.
2024/25 Invitation to Tender
In September 2024, Pharmac released a consultation on the draft 2024/25 Invitation to Tender. Desogestrel was included in the list of products proposed to be tendered. As part of consultation, Pharmac welcomed Alternative Commercial Proposals (ACPs) from suppliers for any pharmaceuticals included within the draft list.
Organon submitted an ACP to Pharmac for its brand of desogestrel (Cerazette). This ACP formed the basis of Pharmac’s provisional agreement with Organon. Desogestrel was not included in the final 2024/25 Invitation to Tender.
The Cerazette brand is the only desogestrel product with regulatory approval. This proposal would not prevent the listing of another brand of desogestrel at any point.
September 2024 Invitation to Tender consultation and more information about ACPs
Details about our proposal
Desogestrel would be listed in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 April 2025, without restriction, as follows:
| CHEMICAL | FORMULATION | BRAND | PACK SIZE | PROPOSED PRICE AND SUBSIDY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Desogestrel |
Tab 75 mcg |
Cerazette |
84 |
$24.50 |
Desogestrel would be listed with all-at-once (Stat) dispensing. This would mean it could be dispensed in six monthly amounts. This is the same as other funded oral contraceptives.
Desogestrel would also be available on a Practitioner’s Supply Order (PSO) – up to 84 tablets (one pack). This means that desogestrel could be ordered by a practitioner so they could have it available for emergency use, teaching and demonstration purposes.
Schedule rules including information about Community Pharmaceutical Dispensing Quantities
Information about Practitioner’s Supply Order (PSO)
A confidential rebate would apply to Cerazette that would reduce the net price to Pharmac. Cerazette would have protection from delisting and subsidy reduction until 1 April 2026.
To provide feedback
Send us an email: consult@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm, 18 February 2025 or complete our online form.
All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by Pharmac’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.
Your feedback may be shared
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We will consider your views when assessing whether the feedback has to be released.
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