People will be able to access cheaper diabetes medicines following yesterday’s announcement by the Albanese Government of an increase in the number of medicines available for two-month prescriptions. 

The announcement covers 24 diabetes medicines including Metformin and Forxiga.

Diabetes Australia Acting Group CEO, Taryn Black, said the change will save people living with diabetes up to $189 per medicine.

“Diabetes is a complex condition, and living with it can be a significant burden. The expanded list of medicines lightens the load for people living with diabetes and their families,” Ms Black said.

“Many people are taking two or three medicines to manage their condition, as well as additional medications to treat other issues such as blood pressure, heart disease, or mental health challenges.

“As the expense of these medicines piles up, we often hear from people about how hard it can be to pay for all of these prescriptions, particularly as they struggle with cost-of-living pressures.”

Rick Parsons, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 39 after two heart attacks, said he takes medications to help manage his condition every day.

“I’ve been taking Forxiga and Metformin for 15 years. I might be on this medicine for the rest of my life,” Mr Parsons said.

“A 60-day script means half as many trips to the pharmacy and half as many trips to my GP, just to fill a script for my medicine. It will save me money and time, for as long as I take this medicine.

“When you’re living with type 2 diabetes, the right medicine is so important and even being able to save a few dollars a month on my script is a welcome change. Every little bit helps.”

Both Mr Parsons and his wife, Michelle Jewels-Parsons, live with type 2 diabetes and take numerous medicines each day.

Ms Black said Diabetes Australia applauded the Government for reinvesting the money it saved from the reforms into pharmacies through new programs and payments to provide more services.

“Pharmacies are such an important part of our health system and a really important source of health advice and support for people living with diabetes,” Ms Black said.

A full list of the 184 medicines now available for longer prescriptions can be found here.