ADEA is encouraging people with diabetes using the rapid-acting insulin Fiasp to arrange appointments with their doctors as soon as possible to discuss alternative medicines.
Fiasp will be withdrawn from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on Saturday 1 April this year as published in an advance notice on the PBS website on 1 March 2023.
This was subsequently confirmed by Novo Nordisk in a communication to health professionals.
The withdrawal includes vial and pen devices.
The PBS has advised that from 1 April people with diabetes will no longer be able to access this insulin at a subsidised price.
It is understood some people may be able to access Fiasp via private prescriptions; however, they may need to pay higher prices and the PBS advises that supply is not guaranteed.
ADEA understands the removal of Fiasp may cause distress among people with diabetes and will continue to support each person to access to the best medication to suit their individual diabetes management needs.
ADEA is not a party to discussions between government and pharmaceutical companies; however, we have expressed our concern about the impact of the removal of this insulin on people with diabetes.
We have also stressed the need for timely communications about known or impending product unavailability to enable people with diabetes to obtain prescriptions for alternative medications and for their health professionals to help them in transitioning to new medications.