New Listings and Changes 1 January 2012

Additions - Items

5054B Apixaban, Tablet 2.5 mg (Eliquis)
5061J Apixaban, Tablet 2.5 mg (Eliquis)
5500L Apixaban, Tablet 2.5 mg(Eliquis)

The PBAC (July 2010) recommended the listing of apixaban on a cost minimisation basis compared with rivaroxaban for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement. Apixaban will substitute for the currently listed product, rivaroxaban.

The availability of apixaban will give prescribers a further treatment option to assist patients requiring hip or knee replacement.

 

5572G Nicotine, Transdermal patch releasing approximately 14 mg per 24 hours (Nicotinell Step 2)
5573H Nicotine, Transdermal patch releasing approximately 7 mg per 24 hours (Nicotinell Step 3)

The PBAC (August 2011) recommended the listing of two new lower strength nicotine transdermal patches that release approximately 14 mg of nicotine per 24 hours and approximately 7 mg nicotine per 24 hours at a price equal to the currently listed Step 1 patches. Use will substitute for the currently listed Step 1 patches.

The availability of the lower strength patches will further help patients to achieve abstinence from smoking by allowing prescribers the flexibility to initiate therapy at different strengths of nicotine.

 

SECTION 100 – HIGHLY SPECIALISED DRUGS PROGRAM

Additions – Items

5030R Epoprostenol Sodium, Powder for I.V. infusion 500 micrograms (base) infusion administration set (Flolan Kit) (Public)
5036C Epoprostenol Sodium, Powder for I.V. infusion 500 micrograms (base) infusion administration set (Flolan Kit) (Private)
5035B Epoprostenol Sodium, Powder for I.V. infusion 1.5 mg (base) infusion administration set (Flolan Kit) (Public)
5042J Epoprostenol Sodium, Powder for I.V. infusion 1.5 mg (base) infusion administration set (Flolan Kit) (Private)

The PBAC recommended out of session the listing of a new presentation of epoprostenol that contains diluent and an administration set (one cassette reservoir and one extension set) under the current listing conditions and on a cost-minimisation basis with the PBS listed vial-only presentation of epoprostenol. The Flolan^® vial presentation will be phased out and replaced by the Flolan Kit^®.

Epoprostenol is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a condition where there is an abnormal increase in the blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension is caused by the blood vessels in the lungs becoming narrowed so that the blood pressure must rise to maintain a sufficient blood flow. Eventually the pressure becomes too great and the heart is unable to keep up an adequate flow rate. As a result, patients with pulmonary hypertension experience breathlessness, dizziness and fatigue.

Some patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who use the Flolan Kit^® privately are required to pay the cost of the medical cassette reservoir and the extension set required for administration of epoprostenol. The availability of the subsidised administration kit will improve patient access to epoprostenol.

 

5084N Etravirine, Tablet 200 mg (Intelence) (Public)
5062K Etravirine, Tablet 200 mg (Intelence) (Private)

The PBAC recommended out of session the listing of a new higher strength of etravirine for treatment of HIV infection, at an equivalent price to the current listing for the 100 mg strength on a mg to mg basis.

The availability of the higher strength of etravirine will help prescribers by giving them a further dosing option to treat patients with HIV.

 

2012 PBS co-payment and safety net amounts

In line with changes in the consumer price index, the PBS co-payment and safety nets have been revised. Therefore, effective on 1 January 2012, the following changes will occur:

• the general patient co-payment will increase from $34.20 to $35.40;
• the concessional co-payment will increase from $5.60 to $5.80;
• the general safety net threshold will increase from $1317.20 to $1363.30; and
• the concessional safety net will increase from $336.00 to $348.00.