Diabetes Australia thanks the Albanese Government for its decision to expand the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings for Forxiga® and Xigduo®, making vital medicines more affordable and accessible for Australians living with type 2 diabetes. 

This initiative is set to benefit more than 100,000 people annually, reducing financial barriers and improving health outcomes. 

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 1.3 million Australians, with significant complications, costs, and daily impacts.  

Heart disease, the leading cause of death among people with diabetes, is closely linked to type 2 diabetes. The expanded PBS listing announced this week enables earlier access to these medicines for individuals at high risk of heart disease or those already living with it. Patients no longer need to wait for their blood glucose levels to rise to 7 percent before accessing these life-changing treatments. 

Forxiga and Xigduo reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular complications in diabetes. Without PBS subsidies, patients could face costs exceeding $600 annually for these treatments. Now, eligible individuals will pay a maximum of $31.60 per prescription or $7.70 with a concession card. 

This decision will contribute to timely access to medications that can help manage diabetes and prevent severe complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and organ damage.  

With Australia in the midst of a diabetes epidemic, removing barriers to treatment is a vital step toward easing the burden on individuals and the healthcare system.