Women’s health has had a strong national focus in recent months with new medications for endometriosis, menopause and IVF listed on the on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
As of 1 May a new medication for endometriosis was listed on the PBS, alongside a progesterone-only contraceptive pill.
Ryeqo, a new medication with Relugolix with estradiol and with norethisterone, is now available on the PBS for the treatment of endometriosis.
In Australia one in seven women suffer from endometriosis. Ryeqo is a new treatment option for patients who have experienced moderate to severe pain and cannot get adequate relief from other hormonal treatments and painkillers.
The Federal Government estimates around 8500 women will benefit from this listing each year, who without subsidy might pay more than $2700 for a year of treatment.
Alongside this, Drospirenone (Slinda) was also listed on the PBS from 1 May as a new contraceptive option.
Slinda is a progestogen-only-pill and may be used by women who cannot take contraceptives with oestrogens.
Earlier access to fertility treatment for women with specific low levels of reproductive hormones was also approved.
As of 1 April, Pergoveris (follitropin alfa with lutropin alfa) was made available at the earliest stage of an IVF journey. Previously it was only funded in later IVF cycles.
Additionally, double the maximum number of Pergoveris pens – four instead of two – per script were listed.
More than 6000 women access Pergoveris on the PBS each year, many of whom require four pens to complete a cycle. They will now pay one patient co-payment for up to four pens as needed for their IVF cycle.
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The PBS updates form part of a wider $793 million women’s health pledge. Further measures include:
- PBS listing of oral contraceptive pills Yaz and Yasmin – the first new listings in 30 years
- Better access to long-term contraceptives, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk billing for IUDs and birth control implants
- A new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, funding to train health professionals, and first-ever clinical guidelines
- PBS listings for new menopausal hormone therapies Prometrium, Estrogel and Estrogel Pro
- 11 new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics
- Two national trials of pharmacies delivering contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs for concession card holders.
The RACGP welcomed the updates as a crucial step towards women’s health equity.
RACGP Vice President and WA chair Dr Ramya Raman said: “The women’s health package, which covers key initiatives such as increased rebates for intrauterine devices and implants, menopause health assessments, and more funding for endometriosis and pelvic pain, is a crucial step towards health equity.”
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Part of the package also includes more training for GPs and other health professionals.
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