Key Takeaways:
- The recent 60-day dispensing listing for fluticasone propionate 50 microgram/actuation inhalation (PBS Item code 14487L) for asthma contains an error regarding its authority level and restriction.
- Error in Pack Quantity for Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease: New listings for complex gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (PBS Item codes) have a typographical error in the number of packs allowed per dispensing.
- Next Steps: These errors will be corrected in the next PBS update. Prescribers are advised to follow the correct guidelines as outlined in this announcement.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has recently introduced new 60-day dispensing listings for various medications, including treatments for asthma and complex gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, these listings have been found to contain significant errors that could impact prescribing practices and patient care. The discrepancies involve an incorrect authority level and restriction for a commonly used asthma inhaler, as well as a typographical error in the number of packs allowed per dispensing for medications used in the management of GERD. These issues are scheduled to be corrected in the next PBS update, but in the meantime, prescribers are urged to follow the intended guidelines as outlined in this announcement to ensure accurate prescribing and patient safety.
The new 60-day dispensing listing for fluticasone propionate 50 microgram/actuation inhalation (PBS Item code 14487L), which is commonly prescribed for the treatment of asthma, has been incorrectly listed with an authority level and restriction that do not align with the intended prescribing guidelines. Currently, the listing appears as a restricted benefit with only the criterion stating that “the condition must be stable for the prescriber to consider the listed maximum quantity of this medicine suitable for this patient.” This restriction is insufficient for the proper management of asthma, as it does not adequately cover the clinical considerations necessary for safe and effective use.
The correct authority level for this listing should be “Authority Required (Streamlined),” which would include more comprehensive criteria to guide prescribers. Specifically, the correct criteria should be: 1) The condition must be stable for the prescriber to consider the listed maximum quantity of this medicine suitable for the patient, and 2) The treatment must not be a PBS benefit if this 50 microgram strength is being initiated in a patient over the age of 6 years. These criteria are crucial for ensuring that the medication is prescribed appropriately, particularly in a population where stability and careful management of the condition are paramount.
During September, prescriptions for item 14487L will continue to be processed as a Restricted benefit, as per the current listing. However, it is highly recommended that prescribers determine PBS eligibility based on the correct guidelines provided in this announcement. This proactive approach will help to avoid any potential issues with patient care and ensure that the treatment provided is in line with best practices.
GERD Listing Error
In addition to the issue with the asthma treatment listing, there has been a significant error identified in the new 60-day dispensing listings for medications used in the treatment of complex gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These listings, which include a range of PBS Item codes (14537D, 14481E, 14445G, 14512T, 14304W, 14339Q, 14363Y, 14558F, 14465H, 14395P, 14394N, 14396Q), contain a typographical error that could lead to confusion and incorrect prescribing.
One of the clinical criteria states that “Patient must have trialled a step-down in dosing, with symptoms adequately managed with once daily dosing; treatment is for: (2) maintenance treatment, but with the quantity sought in this authority application being up to 1 pack per dispensing.” This statement is incorrect and does not reflect the intended prescribing guidelines. The correct criterion should state that the quantity sought in this authority application can be up to 2 packs per dispensing, not 1. This correction is essential to cover the extended treatment period adequately, ensuring that patients receive the correct amount of medication for their needs.
Prescribers should continue to seek authority approval from Services Australia following their usual workflow processes. It is important to note that while the listings currently contain errors, the process for obtaining authority approval remains unchanged. The necessary corrections to these listings will be made in the upcoming PBS update, ensuring that the listings accurately reflect the intended prescribing guidelines. In the meantime, prescribers should be vigilant in checking the correct criteria and pack quantities to avoid any disruptions in patient care.
Next Steps and Recommendations
These errors in the PBS listings are scheduled to be corrected in the next update, but until then, it is crucial for prescribers to follow the correct guidelines as outlined in this announcement. By doing so, healthcare providers can ensure that patients receive the appropriate medication in the correct quantities and under the correct authority level. This will help to prevent any potential issues with treatment continuity and patient safety, particularly for those managing chronic conditions such as asthma and GERD.
Prescribers are encouraged to double-check the criteria and authority levels when prescribing these medications, especially during this period when the PBS listings contain inaccuracies. Taking these steps will help to mitigate the impact of the errors and ensure that patient care remains consistent and effective.
While the errors in the PBS listings are regrettable, they are being addressed, and corrections will be implemented soon. In the interim, it is the responsibility of prescribers to adhere to the correct guidelines provided here to ensure that patients continue to receive the best possible care. The PBS update will rectify these issues, but until then, vigilance and adherence to the intended prescribing criteria are key to maintaining high standards of patient care.
Resource: The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, September 01, 2024

This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.