PBS lists medications to reduce severity of COVID-19 19 July 2022 Medications that reduce the severity of COVID-19 are now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Oral anti-viral medications, Paxlovid and Lagevrio, can now be prescribed by doctors or authorised nurse practitioners to people living with any type of diabetes who use medication to manage their condition and have another condition. Other conditions include heart or kidney disease or obesity. People living in residential aged care and all people aged 70 and over are also eligible even if they have no risk factors. The medications can be prescribed for: People 50 years of age or older, with two additional risk factors for developing severe COVID-19People 30 years of age or older identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, with two additional risk factors for developing severe diseasePeople 18 years of age or older, who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. The medicines must be started as soon as possible after a diagnosis of COVID-19. If you have developed COVID-19 please speak to your health team about accessing these medicines immediately. It is important to note anti-viral medicines are not intended to be used as substitutes for getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Diabetes Australia continues to recommend people get vaccinated and boosted in line with the latest advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.
News 14 May 2024 New PBS listing for treatment of itch associated with chronic kidney disease A new medication has been added to the PBS for people undergoing dialysis and experiencing chronic kidney disease itch. Continue Reading
Blog 29 April 2024 Getting ready for the flu season: Vaccinate, please! Having the flu vaccine means you are less likely to become infected and, if you do become infected, you are more likely to only have a mild dose of the flu. Continue Reading
Blog 26 April 2024 Protecting yourself against Shingles and pneumococcal disease This World Immunisation Week people living with diabetes are being urged to protect themselves with current immunisations. Examples of two conditions that are important to protect against are Shingles and pneumococcal disease. Continue Reading