The PBS restriction level for fixed dose combination inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long acting beta-antagonist (LABA) inhalers for childhood asthma is to be increased to Authority Required (Streamlined), the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has signalled .
The move is a reiteration of the PBAC’s 2017 recommendations aimed at curbing inappropriate first line use of fixed dose combination inhalers for COPD and asthma.
As reported in the limbic last year, the recommendations arose from the Post-market Review of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Medicines and were supported by other advice.
The review found there was a high rate of initiation to the ICS/LABA combinations inconsistent with clinical guidelines.
“The PBAC recommended in its advice to the Minister to increase the PBS restriction level to Authority Required (STREAMLINED) for ICS/LABAs inhalers that have dual listings on the PBS for the treatment of COPD and asthma,” their August 2017 meeting reported.
Subsequently at their March 2018 meeting, PBAC has revisited the issue with a focus on asthma in children.
The Committee considered an evaluation report conducted three years following the 2014 Post-market Review of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Medicines Used to Treat Asthma in Children.