A PBS review of COPD therapies has recommended a mix of prescribing restrictions to encourage spirometry and easing of criteria for starting some combination inhalers.
The final report from the Post-market Review of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Medicines was released on 30 January, comprising 11 recommendations.
As previously reported in the limbic, it includes the recommendation to remove the current PBS requirement to stabilise patients on both individual monotherapy inhalers before commencing a fixed dose combination LAMA/LABA.
The PBAC also recommended increasing the PBS restriction level to Authority Required (Streamlined) for ICS/LABA inhalers that have dual listings on the PBS for the treatment of COPD and asthma.
Professor Christine McDonald from the Austin Hospital and chair of the COPD National Program, Lung Foundation Australia told the limbic the final report was encouraging.
“The PBAC has taken on board the recommendation in our COPD-X Guidelines and I think as a consequence, the outcome of these deliberations is mostly very positive.”
“I really like the fact they haven’t just concentrated on pharmaceuticals. It’s terrific that we have managed to underline the importance of spirometry and to underline the importance of non-pharmacological management.”