Patient eligibility
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with tocilizumab under the National Health Act 1953, section 85 for patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA).
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 tocilizumab.
Treatment specifics
To be eligible for PBS-subsidised treatment with tocilizumab patients must be treated by a rheumatologist, clinical immunologist or neurologist experienced in the management of GCA. The treatment mustn’t exceed 52 weeks in total.
Applications
Initial treatment
Apply for initial authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised tocilizumab to treat active GCA in writing and either:
- upload through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS)
- post to PBS Complex Drugs Programs.
All applications must include the completed:
- authority prescription form or forms
- giant cell arteritis initial PBS authority application form
- relevant attachments.
Continuing treatment
To apply for continuing PBS-subsidised tocilizumab to treat GCA, call the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line.
More information
Call the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line for more information.