Life-changing medication avoids $20K price increase, staying affordable for patients
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For many Australians, the battle with eczema is a daily struggle that goes beyond just an itch.
It's a condition that can lead to sleepless nights, constant discomfort, and even social isolation due to the visible symptoms.
But there's a glimmer of hope for those who suffer from this chronic skin condition, as a life-changing medication has narrowly escaped a price hike that could have put it out of reach for thousands.
Greg Giles, like many others, knows the agony of living with severe eczema all too well. 'I just scratched and scratched whether I was awake or asleep,' he shared. 'It was torture.'
However, his life took a turn for the better when he began treatment with Dupixent, an injectable medication that has been nothing short of miraculous for him and many others.
Dupixent, which arrived on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2021, has been a game-changer for nearly 20,000 Australians since starting the treatment.
The federal government initially invested $270 million in the medication, recognising its effectiveness and the profound impact it could have on patients' lives.
Dermatologist Dr Warren Weightman noted, 'It works quickly, within a few weeks and has fewer side effects than the older treatments.'
The popularity of Dupixent soared beyond expectations, but this year, the supplier threatened to remove the medication from the PBS.
This would have left patients with a daunting choice: pay up to $20,000 for a prescription or suffer without the treatment.
The cost difference is staggering, considering that with PBS coverage, the out-of-pocket expense for patients is just $32.
Thankfully, the Health Minister announced that a new deal has been secured, ensuring Dupixent remains on the PBS.
'From the first of December, we've got a confirmation that patients can have confidence that this treatment will remain on the PBS,' Health Minister Mark Butler stated.
This news comes as a huge relief to those who depend on the medication to manage their eczema symptoms effectively.
The benefits of Dupixent extend beyond symptom relief.
The treatment also reduced the need for follow-up appointments, which is significant given that Australians spend more than $330 million on out-of-pocket costs for dermatological care each year.
With the increased funding and continued PBS listing, more patients who need this treatment can access it without the financial burden.
The story of Dupixent's near-removal from PBS serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for access to essential medications.
In other news, Tecentriq, an immunotherapy for cancer, has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, lowering the cost for lung and liver cancer patients across Australia.
The price has been reduced from $120,000 annually to $133.40 for concession card holders and $547.70 for general patients. You can read more about it here.
Have you or a loved one been affected by eczema? How do you manage the condition, and how has your experience been with accessing treatments like Dupixent? Let us know in the comments below.
It's a condition that can lead to sleepless nights, constant discomfort, and even social isolation due to the visible symptoms.
But there's a glimmer of hope for those who suffer from this chronic skin condition, as a life-changing medication has narrowly escaped a price hike that could have put it out of reach for thousands.
Greg Giles, like many others, knows the agony of living with severe eczema all too well. 'I just scratched and scratched whether I was awake or asleep,' he shared. 'It was torture.'
However, his life took a turn for the better when he began treatment with Dupixent, an injectable medication that has been nothing short of miraculous for him and many others.
Dupixent, a life-changing eczema medication, was at risk of being removed from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Credit: 9news / Facebook
Dupixent, which arrived on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2021, has been a game-changer for nearly 20,000 Australians since starting the treatment.
The federal government initially invested $270 million in the medication, recognising its effectiveness and the profound impact it could have on patients' lives.
Dermatologist Dr Warren Weightman noted, 'It works quickly, within a few weeks and has fewer side effects than the older treatments.'
The popularity of Dupixent soared beyond expectations, but this year, the supplier threatened to remove the medication from the PBS.
This would have left patients with a daunting choice: pay up to $20,000 for a prescription or suffer without the treatment.
The cost difference is staggering, considering that with PBS coverage, the out-of-pocket expense for patients is just $32.
Thankfully, the Health Minister announced that a new deal has been secured, ensuring Dupixent remains on the PBS.
'From the first of December, we've got a confirmation that patients can have confidence that this treatment will remain on the PBS,' Health Minister Mark Butler stated.
This news comes as a huge relief to those who depend on the medication to manage their eczema symptoms effectively.
The benefits of Dupixent extend beyond symptom relief.
The treatment also reduced the need for follow-up appointments, which is significant given that Australians spend more than $330 million on out-of-pocket costs for dermatological care each year.
With the increased funding and continued PBS listing, more patients who need this treatment can access it without the financial burden.
The story of Dupixent's near-removal from PBS serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for access to essential medications.
In other news, Tecentriq, an immunotherapy for cancer, has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, lowering the cost for lung and liver cancer patients across Australia.
The price has been reduced from $120,000 annually to $133.40 for concession card holders and $547.70 for general patients. You can read more about it here.
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