Prefilled syringes of methotrexate for subcutaneous injection (Trexject®) will be available on the PBS from April 1 for severe rheumatoid arthritis.

As previously reported in the limbic, the syringes are available in a range of doses from 7.5mg/0.15ml to 25mg/0.5ml and allow patients the option of self-administration.

A submission to the March 2017 PBAC meeting estimated about 85% of patients were likely to self inject – providing convenience for the patients and reducing GP visits that were solely for the purpose of methotrexate administration.

Announcing the new additions to the PBS, Health Minister Greg Hunt said in a statement the Coalition had a policy of subsiding all drugs recommended by the PBAC.

Trexject® is also available and will be reimbursed for the treatment of severe psoriasis.

“Without PBS listing, an average of 2,300 patients would pay around $1,093 annually,” the statement said.