PBS
Next gen progestogen-only pill (POP) added to PBS
Oral contraceptive with 24-hour missed pill window added to PBS, along with combination therapy for women with fertility issues Around 80,000 Australian women paying privately for the progestogen-only oral contraceptive …
Co-pay cut ‘an investment in productivity’: Twomey
Both sides of politics urged to commit to reducing the maximum PBS co-payment to $19 ahead of the federal election Calls for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) general co-payment to …
Time to restore full continued dispensing
Pharmacists unable to practice to current scope due to restrictions on continued dispensing, pharmacy leader says Red tape requiring emergency measures to be implemented to allow pharmacists to dispense PBS-subsidised …
PBS biosimilar substitution warning
Pharmacists reminded of biosimilar substitution requirements Pharmacists are being advised to pay attention when selecting Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) codes when substituting biosimilar medications, to ensure the correct product is …
HRT shortages to continue
Shortages of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches are set to continue in 2025, PBS warns Pharmacists are being reminded that some, but not all, of the HRT products covered by the …
Coalition would ‘free’ pharmacists from clerical work
“The way we handle prescriptions is 20 years out of date”, opposition health spokesperson says The year is 1984 and the Coalition wants to “free pharmacists from clerical duties” to …
May PBAC meeting scheduled
High volume of submissions prompts government to add extra Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee meeting in 2025 The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) will hold an additional full meeting in May …
‘Substantial’ rise in private scripts for opioids
A decline in PBS dispensing of opioid analgesics has been offset by a marked rise in private scripts, particularly for immediate release formulations, new data shows Opioid use in Australia …
‘An obvious void’ left by NPS MedicineWise closure
No one single organisation or person owns QUM following the demise of NPS MedicineWise, say key stakeholders, with some programs still on hold or under review The Quality Use of …
Government’s hands tied on medicinal cannabis PBS listing
Chronic pain patients who are struggling to cover the costs of medicinal cannabis treatments are being urged to talk to their pharmacists Legislation requiring medications to be approved by the …
More progress needed to Close the Gap on Indigenous health
Gaps remain in the provision of healthcare to First Nations Australians, the Productivity Commission finds The Productivity Commission’s (PC’s) latest ‘Closing the Gap’ update says more culturally-safe and convenient holistic …
60-day dispensing falling short of goal
Fewer than one-in-seven eligible prescriptions are being dispensed under the controversial 60-day policy, data reveals Uptake of 60-day prescriptions is lagging behind the Department of Health and Aged Cares forecast …