Pharmacist Substitution of PBS Medicines without a Prescription during Shortages (Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument)

Page last updated: 8 February 2022

Where a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) has been issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, a pharmacist may substitute medicines in accordance with the SSSI. From 8 February 2022, abatacept syringe (Orencia®) and abatacept autoinjector (Orencia ClickJect®) can be interchangeably substituted under an SSSI issued by the TGA and subsided by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Only consumers eligible to receive benefits under the PBS will receive subsidised substitute medicines under this change. A list of the substitute medicines that are eligible for dispensing as pharmaceutical benefits under these arrangements is available from the PBS website.