New Listings and Changes 1 January 2010

 

ALTERATIONS - RESTRICTIONS

 

Posaconazole (Noxafil^®) oral suspension is listed for the treatment of invasive fungal infections.  Increasing the number of bottles that can be provided on each prescription from one bottle to six allows for approximately one month’s supply, as recommended in the Product Information for posaconazole. 

The number of repeats is decreased from five to two, for consistency with other similar oral antifungal preparations.

There is no expected change in PBS expenditure.

 

Voriconazole (Vfend^®) powder for oral suspension is used to treat serious fungal infections.  Increasing the number of bottles that can be provided on each prescription from one bottle to four allows for approximately one month’s supply for patients greater than 40 kg in weight. 

The number of repeats is decreased to two for consistency with the tablet preparation.

There is no expected change in PBS expenditure.

 

SECTION 100 - HIGHLY SPECIALISED DRUGS PROGRAM

ADDITION

 

Tenofovir with emtracitabine and efavirenz (Atripla^®)

This product is a combination of three drugs for treatment of HIV.  The PBAC noted that although there is no basis to conclude that this listing will result in greater compliance than the current treatments listed on the PBS, the PBAC will re-consider the compliance of combination anti‑retrovirals at its March 2010 meeting.

This listing will add an additional $3 million to the cost of the PBS in its first year and $4 million in subsequent years.