Health Minister Mark Butler has welcomed the final tranche of PBS-listed medicines to be designated for double-dispensed quantities, but one patient organisation has urged caution.
As of yesterday, around 300 PBS-listed medicines can now be dispensed in 60-day quantities.
The controversial policy triggered a fierce dispute between the Pharmacy Guild and the Albanese Government ahead of the 2023-24 Budget. The controversy led to the early negotiation of a new Community Pharmacy Agreement that included several billion dollars in additional pharmacy payments for dispensing higher quantities.
While Minister Butler said that over 45 million prescriptions had been dispensed in 60-day quantities, uptake has been slow. The clear majority of qualifying prescriptions are still issued in 30-day quantities.
Asthma Australia said it welcomed the inclusion of asthma medications on the list of those able to be dispensed in 60-day quantities. However, the National Asthma Council (NAC) Australia urged caution.
The NAC's clinical executive lead, Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, said that while the organisation supports cheaper medicines for consumers, it must be balanced with vigilance around medication expiry and wastage.
“60-day dispensing could work very well for patients who have good asthma control and are stable, however we know that in Australia this is not the case for many," said Associate Professor Rigby.
“Having a 12-month supply of medication removes the need to go back to the GP for a script at six months which means the patient misses out on a key opportunity for their GP to assess their asthma management.
“The NAC’s Australian Asthma Handbook also includes recommendations for stepping down treatment in adults and adolescents if asthma is well controlled for 2-3 months. If the patient doesn’t visit their GP within 12 months they could remain on the same higher strength too long,” she said, adding that wastage is also a potential issue that needs to be discussed with patients.
“60-day dispensing could be good news for Australians living with asthma if it helps to reduce the cost of their medication, which in turn may improve adherence to preventer therapy and improved asthma health outcomes.
“However, if the patient needs their inhaler strength changed and they already have the extra supply of the previous medication, it could lead to unnecessary wastage and cost to the health system.
“In addition, some inhaler devices are packaged in a foil or plastic pouch and once these inhalers are opened, they must be used within a specified timeframe to avoid reduced stability and efficacy," said Associate Professor Rigby.
“The NAC encourages all health professionals to discuss these important issues with their patients and ensure the inclusion of asthma medication to the 60-day dispensing list has a positive impact on their asthma control andshe added.
