Patient eligibility
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with azacitidine under the National Health Act 1953, section 100 for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.
Patients must be eligible for the PBS and meet the relevant restriction criteria.
The Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits on the PBS website outlines the restrictions for prescribing azacitidine.
Section 100 arrangements
Azacitidine
This item is only PBS-subsidised for non-admitted, day admitted patients or patients on discharge who are attending:
- an approved private hospital
- a public participating hospital
- a public hospital.
This item isn’t PBS-subsidised for hospital in-patients.
You must include the hospital name and provider number on the authority application form.
Authority applications
Learn more about prescribing PBS-subsidised azacitidine to treat chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia.
Applying for initial treatment
Apply for initial authority approval to prescribe initial PBS subsidised azacitidine to treat myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia or acute myeloid leukaemia in writing and either:
- upload through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS)
- post to PBS Complex Drugs Programs.
All written applications must include the completed:
- authority prescription form or forms
- Azacitiditine initial PBS authority application form
- relevant attachments.
Applications for initial authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised azacitidine to treat acute myeloid leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome can be made either:
- in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- by calling the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line.
Applying for continuing treatment
Applications for continuing authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised azacitidine to treat myelodysplastic syndrome can be made either in:
- in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- by calling the PBS Complex Drug Programs enquiry line.
Continuing PBS-subsidised treatment with azacitidine to treat acute myeloid leukaemia is Authority Required (Streamlined). It doesn’t need prior authority approval from us for listed quantities and repeats.
More information
Call the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line for further information.