$16 Million for Anti-Epilepsy Drug - Now Available on the PBS

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PDF printable version of $16 Million for Anti-Epilepsy Drug - Now Available on the PBS (PDF 15 KB)

7 May 2010

Australians with epilepsy who have not responded to other medicines will now have subsidised access to the drug lacosamide through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

This coincides with National Epilepsy Awareness Week, which runs from 10 to 16 May. It is an internationally-acknowledged event to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for support programs.

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition involving recurring, unprovoked seizures. It affects close to 200,000 Australians.

For many patients, the existing anti-epileptic drugs are either ineffective or produce unacceptable side-effects. Lacosamide tablets (Vimpat®), provide an additional option in the management of epilepsy when the condition is not adequately controlled by other medications.

Subsidised access to lacosamide tablets will be initiated by a neurologist for patients who have not responded to other therapies, as an authority-required benefit.

The cost of lacosamide to the PBS will be about $16 million over the next five years

Also available under the PBS from this month is methoxyflurane (Penthrox®), a non-narcotic pain reliever which is administered via inhalation for use in emergency treatment under the supervision of a suitably qualified health professional.

Methoxyflurane provides an alternative rapid-onset, portable and non-narcotic analgesic for use by doctors in emergency community-based settings. It will be available through the PBS Doctor's Bag Item List.

This means that it will be available for immediate pain relief in sporting injuries, minor fractures and other trauma where patients remain conscious and are supervised.

It is routinely carried in ambulances.

For all media inquiries, please contact the Minister's Office on 02 62777220