Please note: You’ll get an immediate assessment when you request PBS authorities online.
Patient eligibility
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with crizotinib and entrectinib under the National Health Act 1953, section 85 for patients with Stage IIIB or Stage IV NSCLC.
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 crizotinib and entrectinib.
Treatment specifics
Crizotinib
To be eligible for initial PBS-subsidised treatment with crizotinib, patients must be treated by a medical practitioner.
To be eligible for continuing PBS-subsidised treatment with crizotinib, patients must be treated by either a:
- medical practitioner
- nurse practitioner where patient care is being shared with a medical practitioner and the prescription continues existing therapy with this medicine.
Entrectinib
To be eligible for PBS-subsidised treatment with entrectinib, patients must be treated by a medical practitioner.
Authority applications
Applying for initial treatment
Applications for initial authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised crizotinib or entrectinib to treat Stage IIIB or Stage IV NSCLC can be made either in:
- real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- writing and using HPOS Form upload
- writing and mailed to PBS Complex Drugs Programs.
All written applications must include:
- details of the proposed prescription or prescriptions
- the completed non-small cell lung cancer - crizotinib or entrectinib - initial authority application form
- relevant attachments.
Applying for continuing treatment
Applications for continuing authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised crizotinib or entrectinib to treat Stage IIIB or Stage IV NSCLC 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.