New osteoporosis treatment is now accessible to thousands of Aussies
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As people age, bones can get more fragile, and osteoporosis is a looming condition that could be a significant health concern.
It's a silent disease that often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs, and it can have a profound impact on quality of life.
There is good news on the horizon for those at risk or suffering from this bone-weakening disease.
A groundbreaking osteoporosis treatment is now within reach for thousands more Aussies.
Evenity, a drug hailed as a game-changer against osteoporosis, has recently been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Evenity could make new bones and slow down the deterioration of existing bones, crucial in managing the condition.
Before its inclusion in the PBS, Evenity was only available for patients who had already suffered at least two fractures.
This limitation could be both painful and dangerous for patients.
However, with the new PBS listing, Evenity can now be accessed as a front line treatment from the point of diagnosis.
Health Minister Mark Butler has highlighted the significance of this development.
'Without the PBS listing, you're up for about $5000 every course of treatment,' Minister Butler said.
Osteoporosis specialist Dr Tony Roberts stressed the importance of early intervention.
'If you break your hip, you have about a one in four chance of potentially dying due to the causality of the hip fracture and associated complications,' Dr Roberts explained.
This stark statistic underscores the critical nature of managing bone health proactively.
According to statistics, about two-thirds of Australians over 50 have poor bone health, which puts them at risk of osteoporosis.
With Evenity being part of the PBS, more than 9,000 Australians could benefit from the treatment annually.
The PBS has seen several significant updates over the past year.
A few weeks ago, the PBS added the diabetes medication Sidapvia to its roster, making the dual-action drug more affordable for general patients and those with concession cards.
Last October, a world-first cancer treatment that allows patients to go into remission without chemotherapy was added to the scheme's extensive list of treatments.
These developments could mean a world of difference.
It's time to take control of your bone health and to live a fuller, more active life without the fear of fractures.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, consult with your GP to see if Evenity could be a suitable medication for you.
Have you or a loved one been affected by osteoporosis? What impact has it had on your life, and how do you manage it? Share your experiences and thoughts on this new treatment in the comments section below.
It's a silent disease that often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs, and it can have a profound impact on quality of life.
There is good news on the horizon for those at risk or suffering from this bone-weakening disease.
A groundbreaking osteoporosis treatment is now within reach for thousands more Aussies.
Evenity, a drug hailed as a game-changer against osteoporosis, has recently been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Evenity could make new bones and slow down the deterioration of existing bones, crucial in managing the condition.
Evenity is a dual-action drug that could aid in preventing osteoporosis. Image Credit: Pexels/Antoni Shkraba
Before its inclusion in the PBS, Evenity was only available for patients who had already suffered at least two fractures.
This limitation could be both painful and dangerous for patients.
However, with the new PBS listing, Evenity can now be accessed as a front line treatment from the point of diagnosis.
Health Minister Mark Butler has highlighted the significance of this development.
'Without the PBS listing, you're up for about $5000 every course of treatment,' Minister Butler said.
Osteoporosis specialist Dr Tony Roberts stressed the importance of early intervention.
'If you break your hip, you have about a one in four chance of potentially dying due to the causality of the hip fracture and associated complications,' Dr Roberts explained.
This stark statistic underscores the critical nature of managing bone health proactively.
According to statistics, about two-thirds of Australians over 50 have poor bone health, which puts them at risk of osteoporosis.
With Evenity being part of the PBS, more than 9,000 Australians could benefit from the treatment annually.
The PBS has seen several significant updates over the past year.
A few weeks ago, the PBS added the diabetes medication Sidapvia to its roster, making the dual-action drug more affordable for general patients and those with concession cards.
Last October, a world-first cancer treatment that allows patients to go into remission without chemotherapy was added to the scheme's extensive list of treatments.
These developments could mean a world of difference.
It's time to take control of your bone health and to live a fuller, more active life without the fear of fractures.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, consult with your GP to see if Evenity could be a suitable medication for you.
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