Expanded access to chronic heart failure treatment on the PBS

More Australians with chronic heart failure will have access to subsidised treatment under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

 

From 1 November, empagliflozin (Jardiance®) will be expanded to treat chronic heart failure in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) greater than 40 per cent.

 

It is estimated that more than 480,000 Australians are affected with heart failure with more than 60,000 new diagnoses made every year.



Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome that impairs the lower left chamber of the heart to fill with or eject blood and is classified based on LVEF.

 

Jardiance, together with standard care, may reduce the risk of hospitalisation for heart failure and cardiovascular death.

 

This listing is expected to benefit 98,000 Australians. Without subsidy, Jardiance would cost patients more than $660 per year of treatment.



The PBS listing of this medicine means that eligible patients will pay only a maximum of $30 per script, or just $7.30 with a concession card.

 

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:



“About 180 Australians are hospitalised every single day with symptomatic chronic heart failure and they are often repeated hospitalisations.



“This listing will give patients access to a new treatment at a fraction of the cost they normally would have to pay.



“The PBS is a vital lifeline to affordable medicines for millions. The Albanese Government will continue to deliver on our election promise to provide cheaper medicines to Australian patients.”