2 verifications about Sumatriptan Sumatriptan ×
“Only two of seven triptan medicines available globally are publicly funded in New Zealand: sumatriptan and rizatriptan.”
Current New Zealand evidence supports the claim. PHARMAC’s schedule and decision records show that only sumatriptan and rizatriptan are publicly funded, while the other five triptan medicines used globally are not subsidised in New Zealand. Older sources about availability or approval do not rebut this, because they address access rather than public funding.
“In New Zealand, funded sumatriptan and funded rizatriptan are available at the standard prescription co-payment of about NZ$5 for people with a Community Services Card.”
The evidence does not support this statement. Official New Zealand sources indicate Community Services Card holders generally pay no co-payment for fully subsidised prescriptions from publicly funded or approved providers, not “about NZ$5.” In addition, the materials provided directly support funded sumatriptan but do not directly verify funded rizatriptan.