The price of a “cutting edge” diabetes treatment is being slashed for millions of Aussies after being added to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS).
The new treatment, Sidapvia, combines two diabetes medications into one pill, reducing the hassle for those trying the manage the disease.
“Diabetes is one of those life-long conditions that places great burden on patients,” Dr Ted Wu, Director, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Diabetes Centre told 9News.
“They could be on three of four types of tablets for diabetes and some of these are taken multiple times a day.”
But with Sidapvia, the tablet is taken only once a day.
Along with diet and exercise, it helps lower blood sugar levels.
More than one million Australians suffer from the chronic condition and that number is growing but it’s hoped this new treatment will help diabetics across the country.
“This is just another cutting edge treatment that will make the lives of tens of thousands of diabetes patients in Australia better,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.
Now it’s on the PBS, the price of the pill has more than halved dropping from $75 per month to $31.60.
Patients with a concession card will pay even less, with the drug costing no more than $7.70.
