PBS listings: February 2024 update

There are and amended Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings implemented on 1 February 2024. You can also read the FAQs document relating to access and use of the Online PBS Authorities system.

This information relates to the administration of these listings by Services Australia. For further information on broader PBS changes, please visit the PBS website. Relevant information and authority application forms have been updated and can be accessed through the Services Australia website.

Advanced (unresectable or metastatic) uveal melanoma

Tebentafusp (Kimmtrak®) (100 microgram/0.5 mL injection, 0.5 mL vial) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) uveal melanoma. Authority applications for initial treatment (day 1) can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone. Prescriptions for initial treatment (day 8, day 15) and continuing treatment are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

Chelation of elevated copper levels

Trientine (Trientine Dr.Reddy’s®) (trientine dihydrochloride 250 mg capsule is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of chelation of elevated copper levels. Authority applications can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

Clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Natalizumab (Tysabri®) (150 mg/mL injection, 2 x 1 mL syringes) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Prescriptions for treatment are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

Unresectable Stage III or Stage IV malignant melanoma

Nivolumab + relatlimab (Opdualag®) (nivolumab 240 mg/20 mL + relatlimab 80 mg/20 mL injection, 20 mL vial) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of unresectable Stage III or Stage IV malignant melanoma. Prescriptions for initial and continuing treatments are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

Major depressive disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Fluoxetine (Medreich®) (10 mg capsule) for the treatment of major depressive disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder is now listed on the PBS for the current supply shortage under Section 19A. Fluoxetine is listed as a restricted benefit.

Hypercholesterolaemia

Colestyramine (Cholestyramine-Odan®) (Colestyramine 4g powder for oral liquid,  30 sachets) for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia is now listed on the PBS for the current supply shortage under Section 19A. Colestyramine is listed as a restricted benefit/unrestricted benefit.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Salbutamol (pms-Salbutamol®) (Salbutamol 2.5 mg/2.5 mL inhalation solution, 20 x 2.5 mL ampoules) for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is now listed on the PBS for the current supply shortage under Section 19A. Salbutamol is listed as a restricted benefit.

1 February 2024 delisted PBS listings

Pyridoxine non-responsive homocystinuria

Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without methionine (HCU gel®) has been delisted from the PBS with no supply only arrangement.

Maple syrup urine disease

Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without valine, leucine and isoleucine (MSUD gel®) has been delisted from the PBS with no supply only arrangement.

Tyrosinaemia

Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without phenylalanine and tyrosine (TYR gel®) has been delisted from the PBS with no supply only arrangement. Find out more about the Online PBS Authorities system.

Services Australia has a broad range of educational resources on the Health Professional Education Resources website. This includes simulations, podcast and an infographic on the Online PBS Authorities system. Visit the Services Australia website to find the most up to date authority application form for each drug, program or condition.

Update to Continued Dispensing Arrangements – Emergency Measures

A Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure National Health (Continued Dispensing – Emergency Measure) Determination 2023 has been put in place from 22 December 2023 to temporarily support patients, affected by the flooding disaster in Far North Queensland, to continue to access their PBS subsidised medicines. Until this Emergency Measure ceases on 1 March 2024, it will provide access to a wider range of PBS medicines than under the normal Continued Dispensing arrangements, covering most medicines on the General Schedule of the PBS. Find out more.