Please find below information relating to new and amended Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings implemented on 1st July 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. 

Severe chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenia purpura

Avatrombopag (Doptelet®) (20 mg tablet) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of severe chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). The authority level for medications used to treat patients with ITP (avatrombopag, eltrombopag and romiplostim) has also changed. Authority applications for initial and grandfather treatments can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or in writing. Applications for first continuing or re-initiation of interrupted continuing treatments, second or subsequent continuing treatments and balance of supply or change or therapy can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

 Active giant cell arteritis

Tocilizumab (Actemra Subcutaneous Injection® and Actemra ACTPen®) has had an amendment to the restriction criteria. The authority level has also changed. Authority applications for initial treatment can now be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or in writing. Continuing applications can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

Severe active juvenile idiopathic arthritis / Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Adalimumab (various brands), etanercept (Enbrel® and Brenzys®), tocilizumab (Actemra®) has had a reduction in authority level for the treatment of severe active juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Authority applications for initial treatments can now be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone. Prescriptions for continuing treatment are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

Opioid dependence

Opioid dependence treatment medicines (buprenorphine, buprenorphine + naloxone, methadone) are now part of the Section 100 Highly Specialised Drugs (HSD) Program (Community Access) arrangements. Prescriptions for treatment are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

Please refer to the Opioid Dependence Treatment Program on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s PBS website (www.pbs.gov.au) for further information.

Chronic kidney disease with Type 2 diabetes

Finerenone (Kerendia®) (10 mg tablet, 20 mg tablet) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in Type 2 diabetes. Prescriptions for treatment are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

Asthma

Fluticasone propionate (Axotide Junior®, Flixotide Junior®) for the treatment of asthma has had an amendment to the existing listing to remove the restriction on the prescriber type, including the criteria that treatment must be initiated by a respiratory physician or paediatrician. Amendments have also been made to allow patients who started and are stabilised on treatment before 6 years of age to continue PBS access beyond 6 years of age. There has also been a reduction in authority level. Prescriptions for treatment are now Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

SARS-CoV-2 infection

Nirmatrelvir + ritonavir (Paxlovid®) has had an amendment to the existing listing to include people aged 50-59 years who are at high risk of hospitalisation for COVID-19 infection and have at least one additional risk factor. Prescriptions for treatment are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

Mesothelioma, locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Pemetrexed (Pemetrexed Ever Pharma®) (solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 100 mg in 4 mL vial, solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 500 mg in 20 mL vial, solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 1000 mg in 40 mL vial) has had three new formulations listed for the treatment of mesothelioma and locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Pemetrexed is listed on the PBS as an unrestricted benefit.

Infertility

Choriogonadotropin alfa (Ovidrel®) (solution for injection 250 micrograms in 0.5 mL, pre‑filled pen) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of infertility indications other than that of Assisted Reproductive Technology. Choriogonadotropin alfa is listed on the PBS as a restricted benefit.

To learn more about these updates, please contact Services Australia directly.

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