Cost of two lifesaving heart disease treatments slashed by government - 9News

The costs of the two lifesaving heart medicines have been slashed after they were added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Previously treatment for the two kinds of heart disorder cardiomyopathy, which together affect around 4800 Australians, could cost patients up to $122,000.

Now patients will only have to pay $31.60 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card.

The lifesaving drug has had its cost cut from $122,000 for a year of treatment. (Nine)

Today it was announced that the cost of Camzyos, a treatment for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - a kind of heart disease, will be subsidised.

Around 3600 Australians suffer from the disease, Health Minister Mark Butler said.

But the Camzyos manufacturers believe many cases of the disorder could be undiagnosed and under-untreated.

More than 60,000 Australians, or one in 400 people, could be living with the heart disorder, the Camzyos manufacturers Bristol Myers Squibb said.

The disease causes the heart muscle to become thicker and less flexible, making it harder for the heart to fill and pump blood.

Without the newly added government subsidy, Camzyos could cost patients around $30,000 per year of treatment.

Now that they have been listed on the PBS, eligible patients will be able to pay only the cost of the script, instead of the massive upfront cost for the treatment.

Dr Christian Verdicchio, the chief executive of Heart Support Australia welcomed the new government subsidy. (Supplied)

Heart Support Australia chief executive Dr Christian Verdicchio welcomed the new government subsidy.

"To date, there have been limited medical treatment options for this disease," he said.

"Knowing Australians now have access to a new treatment option is important news for this patient group".

Tafamadis (also known as Vyndamax), another of the newly listed drugs, is used to treat transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy - a rare heart disease that can present as shortness of breath and fatigue.

Around 1200 Australians are affected by the disease, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated.

The newly listed treatment works by slowing the progression of the disease, and preventing a build-up of thickened heart muscles.

The lifesaving drug had its cost cut from $122,000 for a year of treatment on May 1.

Man who beat cancer makes heartbreaking tribute to late pet dog

"It's vitally important that Australians have ready and affordable access to the latest treatments," Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said.

"By listing Vyndamax and Camzyos on the PBS we're giving patients and their doctors new options for treatment at an affordable price.

 "It's part of the Albanese Government's commitment to keep medicines cheaper for Australians."

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMigwFodHRwczovL3d3dy45bmV3cy5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvY29zdC1vZi10d28tbGlmZXNhdmluZy1oZWFydC1kaXNlYXNlLXRyZWF0bWVudHMtYWRkZWQtdG8tcGJzLzI1YWRiODY2LTA2ODItNGZhZi04YTc1LTkyM2ViMmJiNTgyN9IBRWh0dHBzOi8vYW1wLjluZXdzLmNvbS5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzI1YWRiODY2LTA2ODItNGZhZi04YTc1LTkyM2ViMmJiNTgyNw?oc=5

2024-05-09 05:41:54Z
CBMigwFodHRwczovL3d3dy45bmV3cy5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvY29zdC1vZi10d28tbGlmZXNhdmluZy1oZWFydC1kaXNlYXNlLXRyZWF0bWVudHMtYWRkZWQtdG8tcGJzLzI1YWRiODY2LTA2ODItNGZhZi04YTc1LTkyM2ViMmJiNTgyN9IBRWh0dHBzOi8vYW1wLjluZXdzLmNvbS5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzI1YWRiODY2LTA2ODItNGZhZi04YTc1LTkyM2ViMmJiNTgyNw

Bagikan Berita Ini