PBS subsidy arrangements for warfarin SSSI

Page last updated: 17 March 2023

The Department of Health and Aged Care has made amendments to the National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) (Pharmacist Substitution of Medicines without Prescription during Shortages) Amendment (No. 1) Determination 2023. This is following the issuance of the Therapeutic Goods (Serious Scarcity and Substitutable Medicine) (Warfarin) Instrument 2023, which will allow pharmacists to supply alternative strengths but not different brands of oral warfarin at equivalent doses for the duration of the shortage provided specified conditions are met. The shortage began in December 2022 and is expected to be in effect until 31 July 2023. Further information about the substitution is available on the PBS Medicine Shortages page.