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Australian healthcare has seen several significant changes over the past few years.

This time, it just received a significant boost for those managing one of the deadliest conditions affecting a vast number of Aussies.

Sidapvia, a diabetes medication hailed as a 'cutting edge' solution for the condition, has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Its inclusion should bring financial relief and simplified treatment to those affected by this chronic condition.

Sidapvia is an innovative medication that combines two diabetes drugs into a single pill, making the management of the disease more straightforward.

Sidapvia has two active ingredients that could control type 2 diabetes without drinking multiple medications. Image Credit: Pexels/Pietro Jeng

'Diabetes is one of those life-long conditions that places a great burden on patients,' Dr Ted Wu, Director of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Diabetes Centre, said.

'They could be on three or four types of tablets for diabetes, and some of these are taken multiple times a day.'

However, Sidapvia changed it by requiring only one dose daily.

When paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Sidapvia could lower blood sugar levels.

The original cost of Sidapvia was $75 per month.

With its inclusion in the PBS, the price has lowered to $31.60 per month.

Concession card holders could save more, as the drug should cost $7.70 per month.

This is a significant development for the over one million Australians living with diabetes and counting.

Health Minister Mark Butler talked about the impact of Sidapvia with optimism.

'This is just another cutting-edge treatment that will make the lives of tens of thousands of diabetes patients in Australia better,' Minister Butler shared.

The addition of Sidapvia to the PBS was a testament to the government's commitment to supporting Australians with long-term health conditions.

Earlier this year, the PBS has also started subsidising Verzenio, a drug which can prevent the recurrence of high-risk breast cancer.

Blood cancer-fighting drugs Imbruvica and Venetoclax also became a part of the PBS last month, which let patients go into remission without the need for chemotherapy.

These price reductions are monumental steps in making disease treatment management more accessible for Australians.

It also underscored the PBs's role in ensuring that essential medications are affordable, regardless of the patient's economic status.

Key Takeaways

• The price of the diabetes treatment Sidapvia has been significantly reduced for Australians thanks to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
• Sidapvia is a 'cutting edge' medication that combines two diabetes drugs into a single pill, simplifying the regimen for diabetes patients.
• The cost of Sidapvia will drop from $75 per month to $31.60 for general patients. Concession card holders may pay for the drug for $7.70.
• The reduction in price should improve the lives of the over one million Australians living with diabetes.

What are your thoughts on the inclusion of Sidapvia in the PBS? What medications should be included in the benefit scheme next? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

 

[jsan]

I have lived with Type 1 since I was 24 I am now 71 At times I hated the disease as it took so much of my time in managing it Now I have an insulin pump which acts like a external pancreas and just about does everything I need to do The technology has changed so much in the last 5 or 6 years and I believe it will only get better

 

[deni67]

I believe that they should put Pandol Osteo back on the PBS, it was taken off a few years ago, except if you are an Aboriginal, they still get it on script, which I think is unfair.
Although it's not an expensive medication to buy it still adds up because we were getting 3 boxes on the script and now you're only allowed to buy 1 box at a time. Although our local chemist allows us to buy 2 at a time because there are 2 of us that use them regularly!

 

[Dirtdevil]

As a person that uses high doses of opioid, around 600mg daily for the last 42 years.
it amazes me why there is a limit on buying one box at a time. My opioid tablets are way more dangerous than a box of Panadol.
The government is not real smart most of the time when making decisions on people’s health but I don’t think they thought this one through long enough.
I can see why it was taken off the PBS, the government saves paying for two boxes a month which when not scripted.

 

[Towing]

It is actually cheaper to buy the ones in the plastic bottle than it is in boxes if you get the generic brand. My pharmacy always offers me the cheaper brand. I think it may be back on PBS. Maybe ask at your pharmacy

 

[Dynamo]

I have lived with Type 1 since I was 24 I am now 71 At times I hated the disease as it took so much of my time in managing it Now I have an insulin pump which acts like a external pancreas and just about does everything I need to do The technology has changed so much in the last 5 or 6 years and I believe it will only get better

Great news.

 

[Jan Purcell]

I believe that they should put Pandol Osteo back on the PBS, it was taken off a few years ago, except if you are an Aboriginal, they still get it on script, which I think is unfair.
Although it's not an expensive medication to buy it still adds up because we were getting 3 boxes on the script and now you're only allowed to buy 1 box at a time. Although our local chemist allows us to buy 2 at a time because there are 2 of us that use them regularly!

I agree with you, its unfair that the Aboriginals still get it on scrips, that is discrimination, we should all be able to get it on script.