Pricing of LipitorŪ (atorvastatin) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, today accepted the recommendation of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) that atorvastatin (brand name LipitorŪ) is more effective at lowering cholesterol than simvastatin, and therefore warrants a higher price for PBS subsidy. As a result LipitorŪ will not be affected by the 12.5 per cent price reduction affecting other brands of cholesterol lowering medicines when new generic brands of simvastatin are listed on the PBS from 1 August 2005.
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15 July 2005
ABB088/05
I have today accepted the recommendation of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) that atorvastatin (brand name LipitorŪ) is more effective at lowering cholesterol than simvastatin, and therefore warrants a higher price for PBS subsidy.
As a result LipitorŪ will not be affected by the 12.5 per cent price reduction affecting other brands of cholesterol lowering medicines when new generic brands of simvastatin are listed on the PBS from 1 August 2005.
Almost one million Australians are taking LipitorŪ to help manage their cholesterol levels. These patients will not pay more than the standard co-payment amount for LipitorŪ.
This decision also reduces the amount of savings from the 12.5 per cent generic price reduction policy by an estimated $237 million over four years.
The Commonwealth Government will continue to ensure that medicines are available at an affordable price to the community.
For more information call Mr Abbott's office on ph 02 6277 7220.
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