From 1 July 2015, HIV medicines, on prescriptions dated 1 July 2015 or later, will be able to be dispensed in community pharmacy, with Government remuneration.
The medicines remain Section 100 Highly Specialised Drugs (S100) but will be accessible by patients from community pharmacies, where previously these medicines have only been dispensed in hospital settings.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is producing a comprehensive practice support resource to give community pharmacy a valuable overview of the changes, the condition and the medicines used in treatment.
In addition, a Quick Facts information sheet for pharmacies will provide a valuable reference for easy access of information and a national webinar on 2 June 2015 will provide a clear understanding of the nuances, challenges and opportunities that this change will provide community pharmacy, PSA says.
These resources are being developed under contract from the Commonwealth Department of Health and in collaboration with a number of relevant stakeholders including:
- The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
- The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia
- ASHM – The Australasian Society of HIV Medicine
- Representatives drawn from:
- State and Territory Health Departments
- HIV prescribers
- HIV dispensing pharmacists
- Community pharmacy owner
- HIV nurses
- HIV consumer health advocate organisations
The resources will be available in late May or early June 2015.
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