Study questions Paxlovid’s COVID-19 ‘usefulness’ Researchers say the antiviral does little to reduce symptom duration for some vaccinated patients, but still recommended its use for the vulnerable.
Opioid prescriptions are down – but is dependence? While PBS listing revisions have potentially reduced opioid prescriptions, experts say more active treatment is required to reduce harm.
Migraine and sarcoma medications added to PBS Subsidised treatment options for people with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer have also been expanded.
New year brings cheaper medicines The maximum cost of subsidised prescriptions has been cut for the first time since the PBS was introduced 75 years ago.
Reflux treatment among medicines added to PBS Medication for a host of conditions will be newly subsidised from October, potentially generating $130 million in out-of-pocket savings.
COVID antiviral order doubled ahead of PBS listing Paxlovid will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from May, with ‘really positive responses’ reported so far.
Thousands expected to benefit from new PBS listings Medications for asthma, HIV, and Crohn’s disease have been added, while some heart, cholesterol and blood pressure drugs are now cheaper.
PBS update provides new options for people with CVD and leukaemia The latest changes have been hailed as ‘exciting’ and an ‘important milestone’ by specialists.
Changes made to recent opioid reforms Annual secondary review requirements have been relaxed, easing access concerns for palliative care patients.
Children overprescribed combination asthma medication: Study The medication should not be the first line of treatment in children – and for those aged five or under it should not be prescribed at all.