GnRH Agonists: Utilisation analysis
Page last updated: 1 November 2019
Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)
June 2019
Abstract
Purpose
To review the utilisation of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists for the treatment of carcinoma of the prostate, central precocious puberty, breast cancer, endometriosis, and anticipated premature ovarian failure.
Date of listing on PBS
Leuprorelin: 1 August 1986
Goserelin: 1 April 1989
Nafarelin: 1 October 1994
Triptorelin: 1 February 2009
Data Source / methodology
The analysis used Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescription data for prescriptions supplied from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018.
Key Findings
- The total number of prescriptions dispensed for GnRH agonists is growing. However, due to a price decrease that applied to products containing goserelin and leuprorelin on 1 June 2018, the cost to government in 2018 was less than in 2017.
- Majority of prescriptions (70% in 2018) were supplied to male patients.
- There were 46,739 patients treated with GnRH agonists in 2018, approximately 80% of patients treated in 2018 were male.
- Length of treatment analysis showed approximately 80% of patients identified as being treated for endometriosis are treated for no more than six months.
Full Report
