PBS abruptly restricts GP prescribing of kids’ asthma inhaler
The PBS website only flagged the changes the day they came into effect.
GPs say they have been blindsided by new PBS rules on initiating the asthma preventer fluticasone propionate in young children without non-GP specialist input.
Since 1 April, only respiratory physicians or paediatricians have been allowed to initiate PBS scripts for Axotide Junior and Flixotide Junior — fluticasone propionate 50µg per actuation inhalation, 120 actuations — in patients under six.
The PBS listing for the medication was also moved to authority required.
Furthermore, Axotide Junior and Flixotide Junior will no longer be subsidised for children aged six or older.
