Changes to listings for ROSIGLITAZONE MALEATE (Avandia®) and ROSIGLITAZONE MALEATE with METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE (Avandamet®)

20 August 2008

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings for ROSIGLITAZONE MALEATE (Avandia®) and ROSIGLITAZONE MALEATE with METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE (Avandamet®) will be changing as follows:

Removal of the following ROSIGLITAZONE subsidies from the PBS:  

• As of 01 October 2008 - ROSIGLITAZONE for the initiation or continuation of combination therapy with insulin (streamlined authority codes 2730 and 2731)
• As of 01 November 2008 - ROSIGLITAZONE for the initiation of triple oral combination therapy with metformin and a sulfonylurea (streamlined authority codes 2648 (ROSIGLITAZONE MALEATE), 2634 (ROSIGLITAZONE MALEATE with METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE))

Ongoing ROSIGLITAZONE subsidy on the PBS until further advice is sought from the PBAC:

• Continuation of therapy for patients who have previously received and been stabilised on a PBS-subsidised regimen of oral combination therapy with metformin and sulphonylurea

Unchanged ROSIGLITAZONE subsidy on the PBS:

• Dual oral combination therapy with metformin or a sulfonylurea (streamlined authority codes 2635 (ROSIGLITAZONE MALEATE) and 2633 (ROSIGLITAZONE MALEATE with METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE))