Here's a wrap-up of news on medicines and clinical treatments, including a win for the AMA, and updates from the TGA, PBS, and MBS, as well as information on new guidelines, publications and consultations.
Medicines
Commonsense has won in the decision to not down-schedule the erectile dysfunction treatment sildenafil, which follows a submission from the AMA last year . Sildenafil remains a Schedule 4 (prescription only) treatment.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised Ozempic will continue to be in short supply throughout 2025.
The TGA also advises there is a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) in place for some insulin treatments with the discontinuation of the Protaphane InnoLet human insulin (rys) 100 IU/mL injection multidose cartridge next month.
A host of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) changes came into effect on 1 January including new drugs listings on the PBS.
Webinars, advice and publications from federal departments
Medical certificates for some patients with Centrelink can now be issued for up to 24 months .
A new plain English handbook on how Medicare works is available for healthcare professionals and practice staff.
The PBS has also provided an informative flyer on the importance of providing accurate and up to date information when completing an authority request via the Online PBS Authorities system.
The Cancer Council advises there are new guidelines for the National cervical screening program available.
Finally, the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Consumers Health Forum are hosting a webinar ' Making medicines more affordable ' on 29 January. The webinar will cover a number of topics, including 60-day prescriptions, which are designed to help Australians reduce their medication costs.
