PBAC recommends progesterone be added to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Please note that this press release is in response to a statement by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).

The Early Pregnancy Loss Coalition (the representative peak body for organisations working in the miscarriage space) welcomes today’s PBAC recommendation that progesterone be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients with early pregnancy bleeding and a history of three or more miscarriages.  

Research conducted in the United Kingdom shows progesterone may be of benefit to patients who have experienced three or more losses.

“The Early Pregnancy Loss Coalition and its members advocated strongly in support of this application,” EPLC Executive Director, Isabelle Oderberg.

“PBAC noted this work stating, ‘The PBAC welcomed the consumer input received for this item and noted the input strongly supported the submission and highlighted the equity and cost concerns for patients’.

“We know that progesterone is already being prescribed for patients who experience recurrent miscarriage, but not having the medication on the PBS means it is only available to those who can afford to pay for it.

“Should it be added to the PBS, it evens the playing field, giving choice of progesterone usage to all Australian patients, with the guidance of their health professional.

“We call on the Federal Government to work with the medication’s sponsor Besins to ensure its addition to the PBS as soon as possible.”

ENDS/

For more information or interviews please email info@eplc.au.