About medicines
The different types of medicines and how they are classified.
What we do
How we make sure medicines are as safe and effective as possible.
Access to medicines
How you can access medicines and how we manage shortages.
Cost of medicines
How we keep medicines affordable for Australians.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises a large number of medicines to keep their cost down for Australians.
Biosimilar medicines
Some pharmaceutical companies make medicines that are very similar to existing biological medicines. These are known as biosimilar medicines. We have resources available to help you understand and have confidence in biosimilar medicines.
Medicines Line
1300 633 424
Contact Medicines Line on 1300 MEDICINE for information on prescription, over-the-counter and other medicines (including complementary medicines). Calls are answered by registered pharmacists. The service is available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST (excluding NSW public holidays).
Resources
Resources
0:30
60-day prescriptions campaign (phase 3) – 30 seconds (female version)
There are now more Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines available for 60-day prescriptions. Ask your doctor if a 60-day prescription is right for you, or visit health.gov.au/cheapermedicines.
0:15
60-day prescriptions campaign (phase 3) – 30 seconds (male version)
More PBS medicines can now be prescribed for 60-days. Ask your doctor if 60-day prescriptions are right for you, or visit health.gov.au/cheapermedicines.
00:30
60-day prescriptions campaign – First Nations
More PBS medicines can now be prescribed for 60-days. Ask your doctor if 60-day prescriptions are right for you, or visit health.gov.au/cheapermedicines.
Certification statement – Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme awareness campaign – Cheaper medicines
This certification statement, signed by Secretary Blair Comley on 25 September 2024, certifies that the PBS Education campaign complies with relevant guidelines and policies.