Stage 3 of 60-day medicines begins

There are now almost 300 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines available for 60-day prescriptions for people who live with stable, ongoing health conditions. 

This month, we welcomed the third stage of the 60-day dispensing reforms tabled by the federal government in parliament, which will bring down the costs of more medicine for millions of patients and reduce GP workload.

Doctors can now write 60-day prescriptions for 100 additional medicines for the treatment of acne, anxiety disorders, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), constipation, depression, dry eyes, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), glaucoma and Parkinson disease.

AMA President Professor Steve Robson said the AMA had long advocated for this sensible reform and supports the government’s phased introduction. 

“Expanding the list of medicines able to be prescribed for 60 days is a win for patients, especially amid cost-of-living pressures,” Professor Robson said.

“Patients who are stable on their medication will be able to receive double the amount of medicine from a single trip to the pharmacy, saving time and money.”

This is the final stage of implementation for medicines recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) in December 2022 as suitable for a 60-day supply.

More medicines can continue to become available for 60-day prescriptions after they have been deemed suitable and recommended by the PBAC, as part of routine monthly changes to the PBS.

See the full list of medicines available for 60-day prescribing