Ask a Pharmacist on new PBS changes on common medicines

Pharmacists are advise that consumers are being encourange by the NPS MedicineWise to talk to their pharmacists about the 01 January 2016 changes which will see 17 types of common medicines delisted from the PBS.  Some of the more common overthe-counter medicines affected by the changes include Astrix aspirin), Spren 100 (aspirin), Panamax (paracetamol 500mg tablet, 100ml liquid and 200 ml liquid), Panadol Osteo (paracetamol; 665g modified release tablets), Chlorsig eye drops (0.5%) and ointment (1%), Dulcolax suppositories (10 mg) and Gaviscon P and Mylanta P.

NPS CEO Dr Lynn Weekes says, “If you or someone you care about takes one of these over-the-counter medicines on medical advice, it is best to speak with your pharmacist or your prescribers as soon as possible so you know how the changes will affect you.”  PSA president Joe Demarte said the changes mean some products could cost more and may cause patients to reach the safety net later.

Source:pharmacydaily.com.au, Wednesday 16 December 2015