Men with advanced prostate cancer hope (some desperately) budget will bring Zytiga (abiraterone) to PBS

[JimJimJimJim]

The prostate cancer drug Zytiga (abiraterone) is a much kinder treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer whose primary treatments have failed.

 

As with existing chemotherapies, its price is beyond most men who need it.

An expert committee has recommended that it be made available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to men who have failed other chemotherapy treatment. 

 

Men who currently need this drug, and those who may need it in the near future are desperately hoping the government will announce this in the budget.

 

 

The 2013-14 Budget papers are released when the Treasurer commences his second reading speech at approximately 7:30pm AEST Tuesday, 14 May 2013

 

All men with prostate cancer will be hoping for good news that night.

 

If you are in desperate need right now, your doctor should be able to access the drug for you at a lower price until the PBS approval happens.

 

The company has said:

 

Janssen has made available a subsidised access program for abiraterone in men with metastatic prostate cancer whose disease has progressed after chemotherapy. More information is available from your treating physician.

 

I understand that if a patient pays $3,300 for the first month, and for every odd month after that, Janssen will supply each second month free. See your specialist doctor.