Substitution of Budesonide + Formoterol listings

Page last updated: 14 July 2023

Important Information for Authorised Prescribers and Approved Pharmacists
 

The 1 July 2023 PBS Schedule included approved changes to the listings of the form “budesonide 400 microgram/actuation + formoterol (eformoterol) fumarate dihydrate 12 microgram/actuation powder for inhalation” for the purpose of allowing pharmacy substitution between brands marketed as a single-inhaler pack (13258T) and brands marketed as a two‑inhaler pack (11301T).

Unfortunately, the related data files provided to vendors of prescribing and dispensing systems inadvertently omitted an amendment to the data for item 11301T that is necessary to ensure their software can accommodate a pack of two being broken for the supply of a single inhaler. Due to this omission, some pharmacies may currently be unable to process claims for the supply of a quantity of 1 in respect of prescriptions written prior 1 July 2023, or substitute against this item. Please note that some patients may need to obtain a new prescription in order to be supplied the drug at PBS prices during July 2023.

The omission will be rectified with the release of new Schedule data for 1 August 2023. In the interim, Services Australia has implemented a temporary PBS authority approval number that will allow an 'increased quantity' of 2 to be submitted and claimed for this item. Approved Suppliers can contact the PBS General Enquiries Line on 132 290 (option 2) if assistance is required.