New Zealanders taking levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid will have more dosing options from next year, following a funding decision by Pharmac.
New Zealanders taking levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid will have more dosing options from next year, following a funding decision by Pharmac.
Pharmac has confirmed that additional strengths of levothyroxine tablets will be funded from 1 February 2027, giving patients and prescribers greater flexibility when adjusting treatment.
Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
The funding change will apply to two existing brands, Synthroid and Eltroxin.
From 1 February 2027, both Synthroid and Eltroxin will be funded in four strengths: 25 micrograms (mcg), 50 mcg, 75 mcg and 100 mcg.
The decision introduces:
A new 75 mcg strength of Synthroid.
A new 75 mcg strength of Eltroxin.
A new 25 mcg strength of Eltroxin.
Existing funded strengths will remain available.
Pharmac says the decision follows clinical advice that people taking levothyroxine sometimes need precise adjustments to their dose.
Until now, the available funded strengths have not always allowed patients to follow the most convenient dosing schedule.
Some people may need to take different doses on alternate days or combine tablets of different strengths to achieve their prescribed dose.
The additional options could make treatment simpler for those patients.
They may also help clinicians make smaller dose adjustments when necessary, without requiring patients to follow a more complicated tablet schedule.
No. Pharmac says there is no requirement for anyone to switch brands because of this decision.
Funding for existing levothyroxine brands and strengths will continue.
The change is intended to expand the available options rather than replace current treatments.
Patients should continue taking their prescribed medication as directed. Anyone with questions about their dose or whether a different tablet strength may be suitable should speak with their doctor or pharmacist.
The additional strengths will be funded from 1 February 2027.
Pharmac says it will continue updating its website with information about the decision.
For patients who currently need to combine tablets or alternate between doses, the expanded range may provide a more straightforward way to take their prescribed medication.
Source: Pharmac funding decision announcement, 27 September 2026.
Further information: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz
Official source: Pharmac's decision, dated 24 September 2026: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2026-09-decision-to-fund-additional-strengths-of-levothyroxine-tablets
Pharmac also confirms that the additional strengths will be funded in both community and hospital settings, with no change to the existing access criteria.
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