Giant Cell Arteritis

The PBS subsidises tocilizumab for patients with giant cell arteritis.

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:

All applications must include the completed:

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.

Page last updated: 26 September 2022.
QC 51319

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