Glioblastoma Program in Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 012-19072629

Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord.

Listing dates were as follows:

• bevacizumab – listed 1 August 2019, delisted 1 June 2021

From 1 June, 2021 the bevacizumab is no longer PBS subsidised under the Complex Drugs program. Bevacizumab is still a PBS listed item under the brand Mvasi, and is listed as an unrestricted item. Prescribers can write a standard script for this item, up to the list quantity and repeats. The previous brand of Avastin, is no longer a PBS subsidised item, and cannot be approved or supplied at the pharmacy after 1 June.

If a prescriber contacts the Complex Drugs enquiry line after 1 June 2021 to enquire about prescribing bevacizumab under the brand Avastin, advise the prescriber that this brand is no longer PBS subsidised, and that a new brand is available as an unrestricted listing.

When the date of prescribing is before 1 June 2021

Attempt to contact the prescriber. Explain to the prescriber that although the item was valid at the time the prescription was written, it was removed from the PBS schedule as of 1 June, and is no longer available to be dispensed. Advise the prescriber that they can instead write a standard prescription for the new brand of bevacizumab and provide this to their patient.

There is no benefit to approving the application, as the item cannot be supplied at the pharmacy.

If the prescriber cannot be contacted, escalate the application to the Pharmaceutical Advisor team according to the standard processes for escalating written scripts.

When the date of prescribing is 1 June 2021 (or later)

Return the application to the prescriber with the relevant letter. From 1 June, bevacizumab is no longer an ‘Authority Required’ item.