Patient eligibility
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with aflibercept, dexamethasone intravitreal implant, faricimab and ranibizumab under the National Health Act 1953, section 85 for patients with diabetic macular oedema .
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 aflibercept, dexamethasone intravitreal implant, faricimab and ranibizumab.
Treatment specifics
To be eligible for PBS-subsidised treatment with aflibercept, dexamethasone intravitreal implant, faricimab and ranibizumab patients must be treated by:
- an ophthalmologist
- an accredited ophthalmology registrar in consultation with an ophthalmologist.
Authority applications
Applying for initial treatment
Applications for initial authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised aflibercept, dexamethasone intravitreal implant, faricimab and ranibizumab to treat diabetic macular oedema can be made either in:
- real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- writing and use HPOS Form upload
- writing and mail to PBS Complex Drugs Programs.
All applications must include the completed:
- authority prescription form or forms
- diabetic macular oedema - initial authority application form
- relevant attachments.
Applications to move between different drugs to treat diabetic macular oedema will require a new initial authority application to be completed.
Applying for continuing treatment
Continuing PBS-subsidised treatment with aflibercept, dexamethasone intravitreal implant, faricimab and ranibizumab is Authority Required (Streamlined). You don’t need authority approval from us for the listed quantities and repeats.
Applying for initial grandfather treatment
Applications for initial grandfather authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised faricimab to treat subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation can be made either in:
- real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- writing and use HPOS Form upload
- writing and mail to PBS Complex Drugs Programs.
All written applications must include the completed:
- authority prescription form of forms
- diabetic macular oedema - faricimab - initial grandfather authority application form
- relevant attachments.
More information
Call the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line for more information.