New Diabetes treatments under the PBS
Lantus® (insulin glargine) and Levemir® (insulin detemir) will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 October 2006 for the treatment of patients with diabetes.
Lantus® and Levemir® will be used to maintain a basic insulin level and are expected to reduce the incidence of episodes of low blood-sugar levels (“hypos”) compared with current therapy. Both drugs have been recommended for type 1 diabetes. Lantus® has also been recommended for type 2 diabetes.
It is estimated that around 110,000 people will begin treatment with Lantus® or Levemir® in the first full year of listing for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A fact sheet is available at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/lantus_levemir-govtdecision.htm
