PBS to provide access to life-saving MS and cancer medicines New medicines for multiple sclerosis and various cancers will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 November.
Oral furosemide a welcome addition to Prescriber Bag The diuretic has been added to the list of emergency medications following RACGP advocacy, in what GPs say is an important precedent.
Changes made to recent opioid reforms Annual secondary review requirements have been relaxed, easing access concerns for palliative care patients.
Children overprescribed combination asthma medication: Study The medication should not be the first line of treatment in children – and for those aged five or under it should not be prescribed at all.
Greater access to ‘life changing’ asthma drugs on PBS Patients with mild and severe forms of asthma now have wider access to effective treatment, helping to curb anxiety amid the pandemic.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme updates to start 2020 The safety net threshold has been lowered, while a new drug that provides a treatment option for patients with advanced breast cancer has been added.
People experiencing psoriasis and asthma receive PBS relief Patients with urea cycle disorder will also benefit from the new round of listings.
‘Game changing’ cancer drugs listed on the PBS Thousands of Australians with non-small cell lung cancer and early-stage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia will have access to better treatment options.
Cystic fibrosis drug listed on PBS While the announcement was welcomed, some have questioned the seven month delay between approval and listing.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Council responds to criticism Chair Andrew Wilson said suggestions of delayed approvals are not new and Australia has one of ‘the fastest systems in the world’.