Type 1 diabetes sufferers will see a steep hike in prescription costs when a life-changing insulin is removed from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) next month.
Local Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Senator Anne Rushton have revealed 15,000 families nationwide will be affected when the drug Fiasp becomes less accessible from April 1.
Fiasp is a mealtime insulin that improves blood sugar control in diabetes patients at a faster rate than other diabetes medications.
Mr O’Brien said he was alerted of the issue by the mother of a young high school student on the Sunshine Coast “whose quality of life will now be at risk from the government’s decision”.
“Freya Goldston is a 14-year-old, high-performing student in my electorate who will tell anybody about the remarkable impact that this medicine has had on her life,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Freya’s family will have her prescription go from around $7 to more than $280 at a time when households are already under serious financial pressure.
“The Labor Government needs to provide an immediate solution to support the 15,000 families who will otherwise need to start making decisions about what household expenses they can cut back on to afford this life-changing medicine.”
Mr O’Brien said the former Coalition Government listed Fiasp on the PBS in 2019 to ensure affordable access to the fast-acting insulin for diabetes patients.
“But now, without any consultation or support for the patients impacted, the government’s decision to suddenly remove Fiasp from the PBS is sending the price soaring,” Mr O’Brien said.
A spokesperson for Health Minister Mark Butler said his office was made aware of drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk removing Fiasp from the PBS on Friday, February 22.
“The minister’s office is now working with the department and Novo Nordisk,” the spokesperson said.
“We understand the decision by Novo Nordisk to remove Fiasp from the PBS has been concerning for many Australians living with diabetes and their families.”
The spokesperson did not respond to whether there was consultation or support for impacted sufferers when Sunshine Coast News approached Mr Butler about the removal of Fiasp.
Close to 28,000 people have signed an online petition created by Belinda Moore, titled “save Fiasp from falling off the PBS”.
“If the insulin known as Fiasp is not PBS-listed, the absolute majority of people with diabetes who have been prescribed this insulin will not be able to afford it,” the petition said.
“Since Fiasp became available to Australians living with diabetes, we have seen reduced post-prandial glucose spikes, reduced HbA1Cs, enhanced TIRs and happier people with diabetes.
“The Australian diabetes community will keep advocating until we witness no evidence of inequitable access to diabetes services, clinicians, technology and therapies.”
Ms Ruston said that in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, it was disappointing to see the government making a decision that would affect thousands of Australians.
“The government must urgently guarantee that they will provide sufficient support to ensure the viability of affordable diabetes medications in Australia,” Ms Rushton said.
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