Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Patient eligibility

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with eltrombopag and romiplostim under the National Health Act 1953, section 100 for patients with severe chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

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 eltrombopag and romiplostim.

Section 100 arrangements

Eltrombopag and romiplostim

These items are only PBS-subsidised for non-admitted patients, day admitted patients, or patients on discharge who are attending:

• an approved private hospital
• a public participating hospital
• a public hospital.

These items aren't PBS-subsidised for hospital in-patients. You must include the hospital name and provider number on the authority application form.

Treatment specifics

For romiplostim initial treatment, the appropriate vial strength is selected based on the patient’s weight. Once the patient’s dose has been stable for a period of 4 weeks, authority approvals for sufficient vials can be requested under the balance of supply or change of therapy restriction. The total period of treatment authorised under this restriction must not exceed 24 weeks.

Where a patient has started treatment with either romiplostim or eltrombopag, change of therapy to the alternative agent may be authorised under the balance of supply or change of therapy restriction.

Authority applications

Applying for initial treatment

Apply for initial authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised eltrombopag or romiplostim to treat ITP in writing and either:

• use HPOS Form upload
• mail to PBS Complex Drugs Programs.

All written applications must include the completed:

• authority prescription form or forms
• idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura - eltrombopag or romiplostim - initial authority application form
• relevant attachments.

Applying for balance of supply or change of therapy

Applications for balance of supply or change of therapy to prescribe PBS-subsidised eltrombopag and romiplostim to treat ITP can be made either:

• in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
• by calling the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line.

Applying for first continuing, re-initiation of interrupted continuing treatment, or subsequent continuing treatment

Applications for first continuing, re-initiation of interrupted continuing treatment, or second/subsequent continuing treatment authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised eltrombopag or romiplostim to treat ITP can be made either:

• in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
• by calling the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line.

More information

Call the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line for more information.