The medicine Afinitor® (everolimus) is being listed on the expert Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from January 1, for the treatment of refractory seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.
The medicine would cost around $17,000 per patient, per year without PBS subsidy. Under the PBS the price goes down to just $40.30 per script, or $6.50 for concessional patients.
Tuberous sclerosis complex causes benign tumours to grow in the brain and on other vital organs.
It usually affects the central nervous system and results in a combination of symptoms including seizures.
Treatment with Afinitor may reduce the frequency of seizures.
This listing will help people who suffer the terrible side-effects of tuberous sclerosis complex and at the same time saving families near $20,000 a year.
This PBS listing was recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).
The Committee is independent of Government by law and in practice. By law the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from the PBAC.
Our Government continues to provide PBS listing for every medicine approved by the PBAC to ensure that new, essential medicines are affordable for all Australians.
The recent 2018–19 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) invests a further $1.4 billion in new medicines, saving sick Australians hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.
Our strong economic management means we are providing Australian patients with access to life-saving and life-changing medicines quicker than ever before.
We are now making on average one new or amended PBS listing every single day.
Since being elected, our Government has helped Australians with new medicine subsidies worth more than $10 billion and listed almost 2,000 medicines.
Unlike Labor, we are subsidising all drugs recommended by the independent medical experts.
Our commitment to the PBS is rock solid. Together with Medicare, it is a foundation of our world-class health care system.
