Action taken amid continuing PrEP shortage

The Federal Government has announced it has listed the United States-registered brand Laurus Labs’ PrEP medication on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) temporarily to allow access to subsidised medication.
 
The Government says the listing, valid from 1 October, will allow for more than 27,000 eligible patients to access this treatment at a maximum cost of $31.60 per script, or $7.70 with a concession card.
 
In addition, it says that the supply shortage, which has some medications listed as unavailable until March 2025, is ‘improving’.
 
‘The Government anticipates the supply of tens of thousands of units will resolve the shortage by early November, with approximately four-months supply in the country by then, with future planned deliveries meeting normal ongoing demand,’ it says.
 
GPs were warned last month to plan ahead after the Therapeutic Goods Administration listed multiple brands of tenofovir/emtricitabine combination tablets as having ‘limited availability’ or being ‘unavailable’.
 
It had cited manufacturing reasons for the shortages, saying ‘the sponsor is working to expedite the next shipment’.
 
Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler said the listing ‘will ensure Australians continue to have access to a world-class medication at an affordable price’.
 
‘PrEP is highly important for Australians living with or at risk of HIV and we have taken swift action to ensure they are protected from current shortages,’ he said.
 
‘We are committed to supporting those with HIV and to the once thought impossible goal of eliminating transmission of HIV in Australia by 2030.’
 
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antiretrovirals HIV medication shortage PBS Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme PrEP sexual health