Patient eligibility
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with lenalidomide under the National Health Act 1953, section 100 for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.
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 lenalidomide.
Section 100 arrangements
Lenalidomide
This item is only PBS-subsidised for day non-admitted patients, day admitted patients or patients on discharge who are attending:
- an approved private hospital
- a public participating hospital
- a public hospital.
This item isn’t PBS-subsidised for hospital in-patients. You must include the hospital name and provider number on the authority application form.
Authority applications
Applying for initial or first continuing treatment
Patients receiving lenalidomide under this PBS listing must be registered in the i-access risk management program.
Applications for initial or first continuing authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised lenalidomide to treat myelodysplastic syndrome can be made either in:
- real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- writing and upload through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS)
- writing and post to PBS Complex Drugs Programs.
All written applications must include the completed:
- authority prescription form or forms
- Myelodysplastic syndrome - initial PBS authority application form
- relevant attachments.
Applying for subsequent continuing treatment
Applications for subsequent continuing authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised lenalidomide to treat myelodysplastic syndrome 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.