Please find below information relating to new and amended Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings implemented on 1st August 2023.
This information relates to the administration of these listings by Services Australia. For further information on broader PBS changes, please visit pbs.gov.au. Relevant information and authority application forms have been updated and can be accessed through the Services Australia website.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Tofacitinib (Xeljanz®) (5 mg tablet) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Authority applications for initial, grandfather and continuing treatments can be made in writing.
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
Upadacitinib (Rinvoq®) (15 mg tablet) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Authority applications for initial and grandfather treatments can be made in writing. Applications for continuing treatment can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.
Metastatic castration sensitive carcinoma of the prostate
Enzalutamide (Xtandi®) (40 mg capsule) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of metastatic castration sensitive carcinoma of the prostate. Authority applications can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.
Locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer
Palbociclib (Ibrance®) (75 mg tablet, 100 mg tablet, 125 mg tablet) has had an amendment to remove the grandfather restriction. Authority applications for initial and continuing treatments can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.
Termination of an intra-uterine pregnancy
Mifepristone and misoprostol (MS-2 Step®) (Pack containing 1 tablet mifepristone 200 mg and 4 tablets misoprostol 200 micrograms) has had a few changes to the listing:
Acromegaly, functional carcinoid tumour, non-functional gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumour
Lanreotide (Mytolac®) (60 mg/0.5 mL injection, 0.5 mL syringe; 90 mg/0.5 mL injection, 0.5 mL syringe; 120 mg/0.5 mL injection, 0.5 mL syringe) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of acromegaly, functional carcinoid tumour and non-functional gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. Prescriptions for initial and continuing treatments are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).
Advanced (unresectable and/or metastatic) leiomyosarcoma or liposarcoma
Trabectedin (Yondelis®) (Powder for I.V. infusion 1 mg) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of advanced (unresectable and/or metastatic) leiomyosarcoma or liposarcoma. Prescriptions for initial, grandfather and continuing treatments are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).
Chronic migraine
Eptinezumab (Vyepti®) (100 mg/mL injection, 1 mL vial) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of chronic migraine. Prescriptions for initial and continuing treatments are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).
Multiple sclerosis
Diroximel fumarate (Vumerity®) (231 mg enteric capsule) has had an amendment to remove the grandfather restriction. Prescriptions for initial and continuing treatments are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).
Nicotine dependence
Varenicline (APO-Varenicline (Canada)®) (500 microgram tablet) for the commencement of a short-term (12 weeks or 24 weeks) course of treatment for nicotine dependence is now listed on the PBS for the current supply shortage under Section 19A. Prescriptions for treatment are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).
Ketogenic diet
High fat formula with vitamins, minerals and trace elements and low in protein and carbohydrate (KetoVie® 3:1; KetoVie® 4:1; KetoVie Peptide® 4:1) (Oral liquid 250 mL, 30) is now listed on the PBS for patients requiring treatment with a ketogenic diet. It is listed as a restricted benefit.
Hypercholesterolaemia
Colestyramine (JAMP-Cholestyramine ®) (4g powder for oral liquid, 30 sachets) for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolaemia is now listed on the PBS for the current supply shortage under Section 19A. Colestyramine is listed as a restricted benefit.
1 August 2023 delisted PBS listings
Diabetes mellitus type 2
Ertugliflozin (Steglatro®) (5 mg tablet, 15 mg tablet) has been delisted from the PBS with a “Supply Only” arrangement for six months.
Ertugliflozin + sitagliptin (Steglujan®) (5 mg/100 mg tablet, 15 mg/100 mg tablet) has been delisted from the PBS with a “Supply Only” arrangement for six months.
Fungal or yeast infection
Ketoconazole (Nizoral®) (2% shampoo, 60 mL) has been delisted from the PBS with a “Supply Only” arrangement for two months.
HIV infection
Efavirenz (Stocrin®) (200 mg tablet; 600 mg tablet) has been delisted from the PBS with a “Supply Only” arrangement for six months.
Tyrosinaemia
Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without phenylalanine and tyrosine (XPhen®, Tyr Maxamum®) (powder for oral liquid, 500 g) has been delisted from the PBS with no “Supply Only” arrangement.
Hypertension
Eprosartan (Teveten®) (400 mg tablet) has been delisted from the PBS with a “Supply Only” arrangement for six months.
Perioperative use in ophthalmic surgery, Invasive ocular infection and Suspected Pseudomonal eye infection
Gentamicin (Genoptic®) (0.3% eye drops, 5 mL) has been delisted from the PBS with a “Supply Only” arrangement for three months.
Severe Pain
Morphine (Anamorph®) (30 mg tablet) has been delisted from the PBS with no “Supply Only” arrangement.
Chemotherapy
Epirubicin (Epirube®) (50 mg/25 mL injection, 25 mL vial) has been delisted from the PBS with no “Supply Only” arrangement.
Phenylketonuria
Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without phenylalanine (PKU gel®) (powder for oral liquid, 24 g sachets) has been delisted from the PBS with a “Supply Only” arrangement for six months.
To learn more about these updates, please contact Services Australia directly.
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