PBS
Ozempic shortage extends into new year – but it’s still earning big
Meanwhile semaglutide medication Wegovy – indicated purely for weight loss – is added to the ARTG The enduring drought of type-2 diabetes medication Ozempic, blamed on its being prescribed off-label …
Co-pay cut set to reduce non-adherence
The legislation to slash the maximum PBS co-payment has been tabled, as the rising cost of living makes it harder for many to afford their scripts The Albanese Government has …
Heart disease drugs dominate PBS meds use by chronically ill
But COVID limitations mean latest National Health Survey comparison with previous years “not possible” Heart disease drugs are the most supplied to people with chronic medical conditions by a narrow …
Claiming becomes an issue
Issues have arisen with some PBS claims for ezetimibe following item and streamline code changes at the start of August Changes to the PBS listing of ezetimibe (Ezetrol), which kicked …
‘Common-sense’ changes secure access for critical medicine
Pharmacists no longer “stuck in the middle” as access to PBS-subsidised hydromorphone oral solution secured Changes to the PBS listing of hydromorphone oral solution from Monday 1 August mean pharmacists …
PBS co-pay cut confirmed
The new federal government has confirmed its election commitment to shave $12.50 off the maximum PBS co-pay cost The ALP’s list of priorities for its term of government were revealed …
Losing approval
Pharmacist has their approval revoked following a criminal conviction A New South Wales pharmacist has had their approval revoked by the Department of Health after being found guilty of defrauding …
‘Very sensible’ change to antiviral eligibility: Guild
Access to antivirals for COVID on the PBS has been widened to include anyone aged over 70 All Australians aged over 70 who test positive to COVID will be able …
Antiviral PBS criteria too restrictive: Butler
“We’re not getting them out the door,” the Health Minister says of antivirals, as a new wave of Omicron looms and one pharmacy leader calls for improved access Australia has …
Cost-of-living changes ‘genuine wins’ for patients
The PBS safety net is set to reduce shortly, providing relief for patients as the cost of living skyrockets The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme’s publications team has issued a reminder that …
New COVID medicine listing
Oral antiviral Paxlovid to be added to the PBS from 1 May as a treatment for COVID-19 Community pharmacists can expect to see PBS-subsidised scripts of the oral anti-viral medicine …
The top ten
Discounted PBS prices, World Pharmacists Day and the post-Guild career path of George Tambassis led the list of stories our readers were reading over the last month These were the …