New Zealand to Expand Febuxostat Coverage for Gout Patients

Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced a new Pharmac proposal that would broaden funded access to the gout medication febuxostat. If approved, the change would take effect on 1 February 2027 and would eliminate the current requirement that patients first trial the drug probenecid before becoming eligible for funded febuxostat. Roughly 6 % of New Zealand adults suffer from gout, and many cannot control symptoms with diet or other medicines. Febuxostat helps prevent painful attacks and reduces the risk of long‑term joint and kidney damage. By offering febuxostat as a second‑line option without a probenecid trial, clinicians and patients gain a simpler, once‑daily treatment that can be more easily dose‑adjusted. The proposal aims to improve patient health and ease pressure on the health system. Public consultation opens 16 September 2027 and closes 30 September 2027.