The multiple myeloma treatment Revlimid (lenalidomide) is now subsidised by the Government, as part of several additions and changes to the PBS that have come into effect.
Revlimid, which is used to treat sufferers of the second most common form of bone marrow cancer, is listed on the PBS over the next four years at a cost of $104 million to the Government.
Changes to the current restriction on Velcade (Bortezomib) for the treatment of multiple myeloma will clarify the diagnostic tests required, define progression of myeloma and allow access to patients who fail to respond to Thalidomide Pharmion (thalidomide).
In another change, prescribers will no longer have to gain preapproval to prescribe for the thydroid cancer treatment Thyrogen (Thyrotropin alfa).
Patients with thyroid cancer have a chronic, stable and long-term condition and the dosage with Thyrogen is also stable, with patients generally requiring one or two treatments per lifetime.
Further additions to the PBS include Vytorin, which allows patients to have a combination of Ezetimibe with simvastatin in the one product; Co-Diovan (valsartan with hydrochlorothiazide), a hypertension treatment that is listed on a cost-minimisation basis; and Tobra-Day, a new strength of Tobramycin sulfate preservative-free injection, for the treatment of pseudomonal infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Pulmozyme (Dornase alfa) is also now available for cystic fibrosis patients aged less than five years of age.
The drug helps break down bronchial mucus secretions in the airways, which helps the patient clear their lungs.