Access to COVID antiviral treatments has been made available to millions more Australians, with the announcement on July 11th that eligibility will be expanded under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended the changes in response to the latest evidence on the effectiveness and safety of the medicines, current usage data and the changing epidemiology of COVID.
Two antivirals will now be available to the following patients who test positive to COVID-19:
- all those aged over 70
- people aged over 50 with two or more risk factors for severe disease
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 30 with two or more risk factors for severe disease
- immunocompromised people over 18 may also be eligible.
Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said that more than 73,000 Australians have already benefited from these medicines, and following PBAC’s advice, the Government has also expanded the criteria to include people who have a broader range of chronic respiratory issues.
There will also be greater access for those adults living with a disability, who have multiple medical conditions.
“These remarkable treatments that normally cost more than $1000 will only be $6.80 for a concession card holder, and around $40 for everyone else,” Mr Butler said.
“Oral antivirals dramatically reduce the risk of severe disease, particularly for older Australians, and will help keep people out of hospital – reducing the pressure on our health system and saving lives.
“People can get antivirals after speaking to a doctor, but they need to act fast – speak to your GP and make a plan for what you will do if you get COVID, so you can start taking antivirals as soon as possible after your positive result.”
The RACGP has welcomed the expansion, with Vice President Dr Bruce Willett stating that “this is a sound and timely decision that will make a real difference for many patients across Australia.”
“In communities everywhere, we have high rates of community transmission of COVID-19, and we know that some patients are particularly vulnerable to severe effects,” Dr Willett said.
“Expanding eligibility is vital; however, we must also enhance community awareness around antivirals and ensure that those patient groups most vulnerable to severe effects from the virus access these drugs – they can save your life if taken early enough.”
He echoed Mr Butler in urging people who believe they are eligible for an antiviral to make an appointment with their GP now, to plan how they can receive the drugs if they test positive.
“Because the drugs are listed on the PBS, a GP will not be able to prescribe an antiviral until the patient actually has COVID-19,” Dr Willet said.
“So, for those eligible – as soon as you get a positive rapid antigen test or a positive PCR test, call your GP and, if you can’t talk to them, leave a phone message to say you have tested positive and you need a prescription.
“The reason this is so important is that with these treatments we must act quickly. The antivirals have to be given within five days, and they become less effective as you get closer to day five. So, getting that message out there is essential, and I encourage everyone to have conversations with people in their life about these treatments.”