PBS Changes from 1 June
Please find below information relating to new and amended Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings implemented on 1 June 2025.
The information below relates to the administration of these listings by Services Australia. For further information, please download the Frequently Asked Questions. For information on broader PBS changes, please visit the PBS website. Relevant information and authority application forms have been updated and can be accessed through the Services Australia website.
Please note, all remaining authority application forms will be updated to remove the title fields in the prescriber and patient details sections.
Diabetes mellitus type 2
Semaglutide (0.68 mg/ml injection, 1 x 3 ml pen device) (Ozempic®) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. Authority applications for initial treatment can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone. Prescriptions for continuing treatment are Authority required (STREAMLINED).
Mild to moderate ulcerative colitis; mild to moderate ulcerative proctitis
Mesalazine (1 g/100 ml enema, 7 x 100 ml; 1 g suppository, 28) (Pentasa®) and (2 g/60 ml enema, 7 x 60 ml; 4 g/60 ml enema, 7 x 60 ml; 1g/application foam, 14 applications; 1 g suppository, 30) (Salofalk®) has had a change to the number of repeats from 1 to 5 repeats. Prescriptions for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis with the enemas or foam are Authority required (STREAMLINED). The suppositories are listed as a restricted benefit for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative proctitis.
Severe asthma; bronchospasm and dyspnoea associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Tiotropium (tiotropium 2.5 microgram/actuation inhalation solution, 2 x 60 actuations) (Spiriva Respimat®) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of severe asthma and for the treatment of bronchospasm and dyspnoea associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Prescriptions for the treatment of asthma in patients aged 6 to 17 years inclusive are Authority required (STREAMLINED). It is listed as a restricted benefit for the treatment of asthma in patient aged at least 18 years of age, and for the treatment of bronchospasm and dyspnoea associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Tiotropium + olodaterol (tiotropium 2.5 microgram/actuation+ olodaterol 2.5 microgram/actuation inhalation solution, 2 x 60 actuations) (Spiolto Respimat®) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of COPD. Prescriptions for treatment are Authority required (STREAMLINED).
Delisted PBS listings from 1 June 2025
Anti-inflammatory/ immunosuppressive agent
Methylprednisolone (1 g injection, 1 vial) (Solu-Medrol®) has been delisted.
Familial heterozygous hypercholesterolaemia; non-familial hypercholesterolaemia
lnclisiran (284 mg/1.5 ml injection, 1.5 ml syringe) (leqvio®) no longer has a listing for Grandfather arrangements.
Moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa
Secukinumab (150 mg/ml injection, 2 x 1 ml pen devices) (Cosentyx®) no longer has a listing for Grandfather arrangements.
PBS Authorities - Changes from 1 June 2025
We understand having access to PBS-subsidised medicines can be critical to patient care. That's why Services Australia and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing are continuing to work together to increase the number of PBS medicines that can be requested and approved using the Online PBS Authorities system (the system).
From 1 June 2025, you will be able to use the system to apply for authority approval and provide evidence digitally for the following medicines. These changes will make it easier for you to request authority approval for these medicines from Services Australia. You will no longer need to submit the written authority application form, details of the proposed prescriptions and test results for certain medicines and treatment phases.
Treatment of severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Authority applications for initial, change or recommencement and first continuing treatments with originator brands of abatacept, adalimumab, baricitinib, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, tocilizumab, tofacitinib and upadacitinib can now be made either using the Online PBS Authorities system or in writing.
Authorities for subsequent continuing treatment (excluding infliximab s.c.) are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).
Authority applications for continuing treatment with infliximab s.c. can be made either in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system or in writing.
Authority applications for initial, change or recommencement of treatment with biosimilar brands of biological medicine can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone. Prescriptions for continuing treatment are Authority required (STREAMLINED).
Important Information
Submitting Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Written Applications through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) form upload.
When submitting PBS authority forms through HPOS form upload, it is important to remember that only yourself or your delegate/s are authorised to do this. Make sure you've linked your prescriber number to your Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account for HPOS; and set up your delegations in HPOS. Visit Servcies Australia for more information on how to link your Health Identifiers to HPOS and Manage delegations.
PBS Authorities items criteria
Under the PBS, medicines are made available based on recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). Patients must meet the set criteria to be eligible for PBS subsidised medicines. Services Australia are unable to provide approval for an Authority Required medication where a patient does not meet the criteria established by PBAC. If you have concerns or questions about the eligibility criteria set by PBAC, you can contact the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing by email at pbs@health.gov.au.
Reminders
Correct online authority number
When prescribing PBS medicines via the Online PBS Authorities system ensure you have selected the correct medicine to match what is on the prescription. This will avoid delays with providing patients with the medication they require.
PBS Authorities - written authority application forms
To align with PBS listing changes, forms are updated on the first of the month. Using the most recent form will help avoid delays in obtaining authority approval.
Ensuring you are proving accurate data
It's important to ensure you are providing accurate and up to date information when completing an authority application. Failure to do so may result in your authority request being rejected.
More Information
For more information about the Online PBS Authorities system visit the Services Australia website.
Services Australia has a broad range of educational resources on the Health Professional Education Resources website. This includes simulations, podcasts, and an infographic on the Online PBS Authorities system.
Visit the Services Australia website to find the most up-to-date authority application form for each drug, program or condition.