THE National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) has issued a warning regarding the 01 Sep inclusion of asthma medications on the PBS 60-day prescription list.
Coinciding with National Asthma Week, more than 70 asthma inhalers may now be dispensed in larger quantities, allowing patients to receive multiple inhalers per dispensed script.
A/Prof Debbie Rigby (pictured), Clinical Executive Lead at NAC, acknowledged that while the change could reduce costs, it raises concerns about medication expiry, wastage, and missed opportunities for asthma management reviews.
"Sixty-day dispensing can benefit stable patients, but many in Australia do not have well-controlled asthma," said Rigby.
"A 12-month supply removes the need for a GP visit at six months, missing a key opportunity to assess asthma management and potentially adjust treatment."
In addition, some inhaler devices are packaged in a foil or plastic pouch and once these inhalers are opened, they must be used within a specified timeframe to avoid reduced stability and efficacy, explained Rigby.
"This includes most multi-dose reservoir dry powder inhalers, as they are particularly susceptible to high humidity, and some powder formulations that are moisture sensitive," she added. JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 05 Sep 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 05 Sep 24
