Patient eligibility
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with aflibercept, dexamethasone intravitreal implant and faricimab under the National Health Act 1953, section 85 for patients with diabetic macular oedema and ranibizumab for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and/or 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 these medicines, patients must be treated by either an:
- ophthalmologist
- 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 and faricimab to treat diabetic macular oedema can be made either:
- in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- by calling the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line.
Applications for initial authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised ranibizumab to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy and/or diabetic macular oedema 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
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.
More information
Call the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line for more information.