Life-saving heart disorder pill gets massive price cut
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As the cost of living keeps going up, more Aussies are struggling to afford their much-needed medications. This hits even harder for those dealing with heart issues.
That’s why a big price drop for pills used to treat a ‘tricky’ heart disorder is such a relief. With the holidays around the corner, this is good news for many families.
The price for a frequently prescribed heart failure drug is set to decrease, thanks to its inclusion in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Jardiance, a daily pill used to treat the progressive heart disease ‘preserved ejection fraction’, has demonstrated its effectiveness by decreasing hospital stays and mortality rates by over 20 per cent.
This condition, which affects about half of those with heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle stiffens, preventing sufficient blood intake and reducing oxygen delivery to the body.
The subsidy will reduce the monthly cost from approximately $60 to $30 for qualified patients and to roughly $7.30 for those with concessions.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler revealed that the pill will join the PBS starting 1st November.
‘We know that chronic heart failure leads to as many as 200 hospitalisations every single day,’ said Minister Butler.
Individuals with this condition often exhibit symptoms such as breathlessness during physical activities, fatigue, and swollen ankles.
Cardiologists highlight that roughly 50 per cent of those diagnosed may not live beyond five years, though the condition, while severe, is treatable.
Among those set to benefit from the drug's inclusion in the PBS is 84-year-old Vicky Kelly.
A few years ago, the condition caused the once-passionate golfer to experience dizziness and fatigue.
She became so affected that she couldn’t even reach her mailbox without feeling breathless.
‘I just stopped having energy,’ she said. ‘(Taking this medication) it’s like being alive again.’
How the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme works
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) helps reduce the cost of prescription medicines for Australians.
The government subsidises medicine costs, allowing Aussies to access a range of medicines without paying the full price.
To buy PBS medicines, a doctor’s prescription is required.
PBS is available to all Aussies with a Medicare card, visitors from countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, and eligible veterans and their dependents.
Additionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians may receive extra assistance with the ‘Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment’.
Members, what are your thoughts on this news? Are there other medications you'd like to see become more affordable? Share your opinions in the comments!
That’s why a big price drop for pills used to treat a ‘tricky’ heart disorder is such a relief. With the holidays around the corner, this is good news for many families.
The price for a frequently prescribed heart failure drug is set to decrease, thanks to its inclusion in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Jardiance, a daily pill used to treat the progressive heart disease ‘preserved ejection fraction’, has demonstrated its effectiveness by decreasing hospital stays and mortality rates by over 20 per cent.
This condition, which affects about half of those with heart failure, occurs when the heart muscle stiffens, preventing sufficient blood intake and reducing oxygen delivery to the body.
The subsidy will reduce the monthly cost from approximately $60 to $30 for qualified patients and to roughly $7.30 for those with concessions.
The daily pill Jardiance will join the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, cutting its cost in half for patients. Image source: Pixabay
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler revealed that the pill will join the PBS starting 1st November.
‘We know that chronic heart failure leads to as many as 200 hospitalisations every single day,’ said Minister Butler.
Individuals with this condition often exhibit symptoms such as breathlessness during physical activities, fatigue, and swollen ankles.
Cardiologists highlight that roughly 50 per cent of those diagnosed may not live beyond five years, though the condition, while severe, is treatable.
Among those set to benefit from the drug's inclusion in the PBS is 84-year-old Vicky Kelly.
A few years ago, the condition caused the once-passionate golfer to experience dizziness and fatigue.
She became so affected that she couldn’t even reach her mailbox without feeling breathless.
‘I just stopped having energy,’ she said. ‘(Taking this medication) it’s like being alive again.’
The government subsidises medicines, making them more affordable for Aussies through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Image source: Pixabay
How the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme works
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) helps reduce the cost of prescription medicines for Australians.
The government subsidises medicine costs, allowing Aussies to access a range of medicines without paying the full price.
To buy PBS medicines, a doctor’s prescription is required.
PBS is available to all Aussies with a Medicare card, visitors from countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, and eligible veterans and their dependents.
Additionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians may receive extra assistance with the ‘Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment’.
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