From 1 August 2013 the PBS listing of the anti-resorptive agent risedronate is extended to include patients 70 years or older with T-score ≤ –2.5.1

The Authority required (streamlined) listing now subsidises the use of risedronate sodium to include treatment of patients aged 70 or older with a bone mineral density (BMD) T-score ≤ –2.5.

This extended listing applies to risedronate monotherapy formulations (Actonel, Actonel EC and Actonel Once-a-Month) as well as the combination formulations containing risedronate sodium and calcium carbonate (Actonel Combi and Actonel EC Combi) and risedronate sodium and calcium carbonate with colecalciferol (Actonel EC Combi D).1

The PBAC recommended amending the PBS listing for risedronate sodium on a cost-minimisation basis — that is, similar efficacy and cost — compared with alendronate monotherapy.1

For more information about risedronate sodium for the treatment of osteoporosis see the NPS RADAR In Brief articles ‘Risedronate (Actonel and Actonel Once-a-Week) for corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis’2 and ‘Risedronate (Actonel Once-a-Month) and summary of anti-resorptive drug listings’.3