Changes to PBS 1 October 2009

 

Alteration of Restrictions

 

2387P Methylphenidate hydrochloride, Tablet 18 mg (extended release) (Concerta)

2172H Methylphenidate hydrochloride, Tablet 27 mg (extended release) (Concerta)

2388Q Methylphenidate hydrochloride, Tablet 36 mg (extended release) (Concerta)

2432B Methylphenidate hydrochloride, Tablet 54 mg (extended release) (Concerta)

2276T Methylphenidate hydrochloride, Capsule 20 mg (modified release) (Ritalin LA)

2280B Methylphenidate hydrochloride, Capsule 30 mg (modified release) (Ritalin LA)

2283E Methylphenidate hydrochloride, Capsule 40 mg (modified release) (Ritalin LA)

 

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended the listing of methylphenidate hydrochloride modified release capsules and extended release tablets be altered to allow continued treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder beyond the age of 18 years, in patients who were diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 18 years, consistent with the advice of the Department of Health and Ageing’s Paediatric Medicines Advisory Group.

Minimal additional expense to the PBS is expected.

(Source: PBAC short minutes July 2009)

 

Removal of Restrictions

The following items are now unrestricted benefits:

 

8286D Oestradiol, Transdermal gel 1 mg in 1 g sachet, 28 (Sandrena)

8761D Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 390 micrograms (releasing approximately 25 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estradot 25)

8311K Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 750 micrograms (releasing approximately 25 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estraderm MX 25)

8485N Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 2 mg (releasing approximately 25 micrograms per 24 hours), 4 (Climara 25)

1743R Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 2 mg (releasing approximately 25 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estraderm 25)

8762E Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 585 micrograms (releasing approximately 37.5 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estradot 37.5)

8140K Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 1.5 mg (releasing approximately 50 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estraderm MX 50)

8125P Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 3.8 mg (releasing approximately 50 micrograms per 24 hours), 4 (Climara 50)

1744T Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 4 mg (releasing approximately 50 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estraderm 50)

8763F Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 780 micrograms (releasing approximately 50 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estradot 50)

8486P Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 5.7 mg (releasing approximately 75 micrograms per 24 hours), 4 (Climara 75)

8764G Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 1.17 mg (releasing approximately 75 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estradot 75)

8312L Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 3 mg (releasing approximately 100 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estraderm MX 100)

8126Q Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 7.6 mg (releasing approximately 100 micrograms per 24 hours), 4 (Climara 100)

1745W Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 8 mg (releasing approximately 100 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estraderm 100)

8765H Oestradiol, Transdermal patches 1.56 mg (releasing approximately 100 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estradot 100)

8427M Oestradiol with norethisterone acetate, Transdermal patches 620 micrograms-2.7 mg (releasing approximately 50 micrograms- 140 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estalis continuous 50/140)

8428N Oestradiol with norethisterone acetate, Transdermal patches 510 micrograms-4.8 mg (releasing approximately 50 micrograms- 250 micrograms per 24 hours), 8 (Estalis continuous 50/250)

8425K Oestradiol and oestradiol with norethisterone acetate, Pack containing 4 transdermal patches oestradiol 780 micrograms (releasing approximately 50 micrograms per 24 hours) and 4 transdermal patches oestradiol with norethisterone acetate 620 micrograms-2.7 mg (releasing approximately 50 micrograms-140 micrograms per 24 hours) (Estalis sequi 50/140)

8426L Oestradiol and oestradiol with norethisterone acetate, Pack containing 4 transdermal patches oestradiol 780 micrograms (releasing approximately 50 micrograms per 24 hours) and 4 transdermal patches oestradiol with norethisterone acetate 510 micrograms-4.8 mg (releasing approximately 50 micrograms-250 micrograms per 24 hours) (Estalis sequi 50/250)

8029N Oestradiol and oestradiol with norethisterone acetate, Pack containing 4 transdermal patches oestradiol 4 mg (releasing approximately 50 micrograms per 24 hours) and 4 transdermal patches oestradiol with norethisterone acetate 10 mg-30 mg (releasing approximately 50 micrograms- 250 micrograms per 24 hours) (Estracombi)

 

Following the deletion of multiple tablet forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the PBAC recommended changing the restricted benefit listings for the transdermal patch and gel forms of HRT to unrestricted benefit listings.

The PBAC noted that the current restricted benefit listing for these products, which states "for use for post-menopausal symptoms where a trial of peri- or post-menopausal low-dose oestrogen therapy has demonstrated intolerance to oral oestrogens", is no longer relevant as a result of the deletion of the majority of the oral oestrogen/combination HRT products from the PBS. 

This change from restricted to an unrestricted benefit listing is not expected to incur additional costs to the PBS.

 

Section 100 - Highly Specialised Drugs Program
 

Alteration of Restrictions

 

6126K Filgrastim, Injection 300 micrograms in 1 mL (Neupogen)

6291D Filgrastim, Injection 300 micrograms in 0.5 mL single use pre-filled syringe (Neupogen)

6127L Filgrastim, Injection 480 micrograms in 1.6 mL (Neupogen)

6292E Filgrastim, Injection 480 micrograms in 0.5 mL single use pre-filled syringe (Neupogen)

6363X Pegfilgrastim, Injection 6 mg in 0.6 mL single use pre-filled syringe (Neulasta)

 

The PBAC recommended an extension to the Section 100 listing for filgrastim and pegfilgrastim to include secondary prophylaxis of neutropenia in patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment with docetaxel, in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil, with inoperable Stage III, IVa or IVb squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx or hypopharynx.