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Published 2009-08-01 00:00:00
Since August 2006 a number of medicines have been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) specifically for people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended these authority-required listings to improve the capacity of the PBS to meet the particular healthcare needs of these people. Most are streamlined authority listings.
Box 1 lists the medicines currently subsidised on the PBS for treating common conditions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
To keep up to date with future listings, go to the health professionals' site at www.pbs.gov.au, click on 'PBS publications' and scroll to the 'PBS listings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people' fact sheet.
| Treating condition | Subsidised medicine |
|---|---|
| Fungal or yeast infection | Bifonazole cream, 1% |
| Thiamine deficiency (prophylaxis) | Thiamine hydrochloride tablet, 100 mg |
| Whipworm infestation | Albendazole tablet, 200 mg |
| Chronic suppurative otitis media | Ciprofloxacin ear drops, 0.3% |
| Dermatophyte infection when topical treatment has failed | Terbinafine hydrochloride tablet, 250 mg |
| Nicotine dependence as the sole PBS-subsidised therapy | Nicotine transdermal patch, releasing approximately 15 mg per 16 hours |
| Nasal colonisation with Staphylococcus aureus | Mupirocin nasal ointment, 2% |
* Authority-required listings are streamlined except for ciprofloxacin ear drops and terbinafine hydrochloride tablets.
Date published: 2009-08-01 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.