Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The official online source for information on your PBS.
This web site contains information on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme including details of the medicines subsidised by the Australian Government as well as information for consumers, carers, health professionals and the pharmaceutical industry. The PBS is part of Australia's broader National Medicines Policy (NMP).
PBS SCHEDULE SEARCH
PBS News Updates
PBS Website Update – 1 May 2013
1 May 2013
The Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits was updated on 1 May 2013 and the Summary of Changes can be found on the New, amended and deleted items page.
The following updates have also been made to the PBS Website:
- Price Reductions for 2013 Main Cycle and 2013 Supplementary Cycle A
- Recommendations made by the PBAC - March 2013
- PBAC Recommendations from Alzheimers Post-Market Review
PBAC Recommendations from Alzheimers Post-Market Review
23 April 2013
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) considered the findings of the Post-Market Review of anti-dementia drugs to treat Alzheimers Disease in December 2012, including that these medicines are being used in a much broader population and for longer periods of time than originally agreed as cost-effective. Additionally, the research on the effectiveness of these medicines is consistent with that previously considered by PBAC, which indicates significant uncertainty in the benefits for patients, particularly beyond six months.
To account for the use of these medicines in a broader population, the PBAC recommended a price reduction of 40 per cent and also agreed to simplify the continuing restriction to better align with current clinical use. The restriction changes are intended to make access to these medicines easier for prescribers and patients who respond to treatment.
The Hon Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Health, accepted these recommendations. The new prices were implemented on 1 April 2013 and the revised restriction will be published in Pharmaceutical Benefit Schedule on 1 May 2013.
The Department appreciates the valuable contributions made by organisations and individuals who provided submissions or comments during this review. The PBAC Minutes for this item are now available (PBAC Minutes - Word 67 KB).
Reminder - Deadline for Submissions to the August 2013 PBPA Meeting.
5 April 2013
As previously advised, the PBPA Secretariat no longer writes directly to Responsible Persons (pharmaceutical companies) inviting their submissions for consideration of price increases at Pharmaceutical Benefits Pricing Authority (PBPA) meetings. Details of brands of medicines in the ATC groups relevant to the PBPA meeting that had accompanied the invitations are also no longer provided.
Note: the cut-off date for submission to the August 2013 PBPA meeting is 26 April 2013.
PBS Website Update – 1 April 2013
1 April 2013
The Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits was updated on 1 April 2013 and the Summary of Changes can be found on the New, amended and deleted items page.
The following updates have also been made to the PBS Website:
- Errata to Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits
- Fact Sheet: Venlafaxine and Venlafaxine Derivative Therapeutic Group
- Highly Specialised Drugs Expenditure
- Formulary Allocations - 1 April 2013
- 12.5% and 16% Price Reductions - 1 April 2013
Post-Market Review of Products Used for Diabetes Management
12 March 2013
The public submissions from Stage Two of the Review focusing on Insulin Pumps have now been published. More information about the Review is available on the Diabetes Review page.
PBS Website Update – 1 March 2013
1 March 2013
The Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits was updated on 1 March 2013 and the Summary of Changes can be found on the New, amended and deleted items page.
The following updates have also been made to the PBS Website:
- Errata to Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits (PDF 375KB)
- Subsidy for groundbreaking virus treatments - 19 February 2013
- Australian Statistics on Medicines 2010 - 13 February 2013
- Post-Market Review of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Medicines to Treat Asthma in Children - 12 February 2013