Expanded PBS listing for empagliflozin An RACGP expert describes the change as a ‘double win’, with the 1 April expansion to benefit more patients with type 2 diabetes.
Nurse practitioner Jardiance prescribing greenlit It can now be prescribed by NPs as an initial or continuing therapy for chronic heart failure, but the change raises red flags with the RACGP.
Drug expanded on PBS for CKD treatment GPs can now prescribe empagliflozin for eligible patients with chronic kidney disease, but should be aware of specific eligibility criteria.
GLP-1 RA prescribing checks flagged GPs may soon need Services Australia approval prior to prescribing the diabetes medications, following evidence of ‘high use’ outside of PBS restrictions.
SGLT2 inhibitors for kidney and heart disease Normally used as a glucose-lowering agent in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors have been found to have beneficial effects in patients with heart failure and kidney disease.
Second SGLT2 inhibitor approved for heart failure Empagliflozin has been added to the PBS for symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, regardless of diabetes status.
First SGLT2 approved for heart condition GPs’ role in prevention and management of heart failure will be made easier with approval of the SGLT2 for a specifically related condition.
Alert issued over diabetic ketoacidosis risk GPs are being warned about the small but definite risk of complications associated with an increasingly common type 2 diabetes management medication.