New PBS listings have been welcomed as a major step forward in providing much-needed financial relief for women living with endometriosis, as well as those undergoing fertility treatments and using contraceptive methods.
Thousands of women are expected to benefit from cheaper contraceptive and fertility treatment with the federal government announcing further commitment to women’s health on Sunday.
The federal government announced new and amended listings for contraception, endometriosis and IVF treatments on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to start from 1 May 2025.
“These listings could save women and their families thousands of dollars across their lifetimes,” said Federal Health Minister Mark Butler.
Drospirenone (Slinda®) will be listed on the PBS for the first time as a new contraceptive option. The progestogen-only-pill is used by women who cannot take contraceptives with estrogens. Over 100,000 Australian women who would otherwise pay more than $250 for a year of treatment without subsidy, are expected to benefit.
Women who suffer from endometriosis will have access to Relugolix with estradiol and with norethisterone (Ryeqo®) also to be listed on the PBS on 1 May. Ryeqo is a new endometriosis treatment option for patients who have experienced moderate to severe pain and cannot get adequate relief from other hormonal treatments and painkillers.
Around 8,500 Australian women are expected to benefit who would otherwise might pay more than $2,700 for a year of treatment.
The announcement comes at a crucial time during March, which is globally recognised as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
The listing of Ryeqo would increase uptake among women, especially those facing financial hardship or living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, said Endometriosis Australia Medical Director Anusch Yazdani.
“One of the biggest barriers to accessing Ryeqo has been the cost. The inclusion of Ryeqo on the PBS offers a treatment option at a significantly reduced cost, from $2,700 per year to between $92 and $380.
“This change will provide financial relief, especially for those who have struggled to afford treatment in the past. It’s also taken orally, so it’s easier to take than some of the existing treatments on the PBS, and has a better side-effect profile.”
Last year, the Albanese government approved the first endometriosis drug to be listed on the PBS in 30 years. The latest announcements build on Labor’s record $573.3 million in women’s health to deliver more choice, lower costs and better healthcare for women.
Australian women undergoing IVF will receive earlier and more affordable access to a fertility treatment from the earliest stage of a woman’s IVF journey. From 1 April, women with specific low levels of reproductive hormones will have earlier access to a combination therapy Pergoveris® (follitropin alfa with lutropin alfa) through the PBS. This was previously only funded in later IVF cycles.
Additionally, double the maximum number of Pergoveris pens (four instead of two) per script will now be listed. Over 6,000 women access Pergoveris® on the PBS each year, many of whom require four pens to complete a cycle.
These women will now pay just one patient co-payment for up to four pens as needed for their IVF cycle. Without PBS subsidy, four Pergoveris pens cost more than $3,500.
“For some women one of their greatest dreams is becoming a mother, and to face the double burden of fertility issues and financial barriers to IVF can be heartbreaking,” said Federal Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney.
Since July 2022, the Albanese Government has approved extra funding for 319 new and amended listings on the PBS.
