PBS change allows GPs to prescribe evolocumab The medication, which can help prevent cardiovascular events, was previously restricted to certain non-GP specialists.
‘A positive step’: oral antivirals confirmed for Doctor’s Bag After extensive RACGP lobbying, GPs now have enhanced access to COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments for urgent use among at-risk patients.
Oral antivirals access opens to more Aboriginal Australians The move will come in with PBS changes from 1 November, which also include a treatment for a rare genetic disease.
Reflux treatment among medicines added to PBS Medication for a host of conditions will be newly subsidised from October, potentially generating $130 million in out-of-pocket savings.
Clarity on Close the Gap Co-payment initiative Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients are being incorrectly told they are no longer able to register for the PBS-subsidised program.
In Practice: Changes to opioid dispensing sizes From 1 August, changes to PBS listings for certain opioid analgesics allow dispensing of smaller volumes at PBS-subsidised prices.
‘Not sustainable’: Medicine shortages in focus The Government is being urged to shore up pharmaceutical supply chains to avoid ‘problematic’ disruptions to patient care.
Changes to ‘redundant’ prescription monitoring services GPs will no longer be able to register for the Prescription Shopping Information Service using a hard copy form.
Big fluctuations in PBS antiviral use by state The ability to issue life-saving COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments via the PBS may have so far largely depended on where prescribers work.
New diabetes medication shortage will impact patient care The semaglutide shortage is having a flow on effect, with dulaglutide now also in short supply until at least the end of August.