Drugline is a fortnightly electronic drug bulletin providing information on new medicines, new developments, current affairs, new indications, new PBS listings and deletions and general issues of importance to all health professionals. Click below to view the most recent volumes of Drugline.
Vyalev® (foslevodopa + foscarbidopa) has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the management of advanced Parkinson’s disease in patients with severe disabling motor fluctuations not adequately controlled by oral therapy. Many…
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Ivosidenib has recently been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. Eligibility requires the presence of an IDH1 R132 mutation and prior treatment with…
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The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a medicines safety update regarding the administration of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prevention products. These products include the two vaccines, Arexvy® and Abrysvo®, and the monoclonal antibody…
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The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing for Trikafta® (elexacaftor + tezacaftor + ivacaftor) has recently been expanded. Patients with cystic fibrosis are now eligible for subsidised therapy if they have at least one mutation…
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Edaravone was recently added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Oxidative stress is thought to be a key factor in the progression of ALS, causing damage…
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Dexrazoxane is used to reduce the incidence and severity of doxorubicin-associated cardiomyopathy. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently approved its use for women with metastatic breast cancer who have received a cumulative doxorubicin…
Read moreNew Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease on the PBS (Aug. 15 2025)
Ivosidenib on the PBS (Aug. 01 2025)
Avoiding Errors with RSV Prevention Medicines (Jul. 18 2025)
Expanded PBS Listing for Trikafta® (Jul. 04 2025)
Edaravone on the PBS (Jun. 20 2025)
Dexrazoxane for the Prevention of Cardiotoxicity (Jun. 06 2025)
Longer-acting Aripiprazole on the PBS (May. 23 2025)
Esketamine Nasal Spray (May. 09 2025)
Influenza Vaccination for the 2025 Season (Apr. 25 2025)
Empirical Antibiotic Treatment of Acute Cystitis (Apr. 11 2025)
Endometriosis Therapy to be Added to the PBS (Mar. 28 2025)
Osilodrostat on the PBS (Mar. 14 2025)
Metronidazole Update (Feb. 28 2025)
Selpercatinib on the PBS (Feb. 14 2025)
Montelukast Safety Update (Jan. 31 2025)
Long-acting Risperidone (Jan. 17 2025)
Combination Product for Type 2 Diabetes (Jan. 03 2025)
Expanded PBS Criteria for Dapagliflozin (Dec. 20 2024)
Dienogest on the PBS (Dec. 06 2024)
Promethazine Safety Update (Nov. 22 2024)
Romosozumab as a First-Line Therapy (Nov. 08 2024)
Diltiazem and Direct Oral Anticoagulants (Oct. 25 2024)
Icosapent Ethyl for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Events (Oct. 11 2024)
Expanded PBS Listing for Cabozantinib (Sep. 27 2024)
Expanded PBS Listing for Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (Sep. 13 2024)
Azithromycin Safety Update (Aug. 30 2024)
Oromucosal Midazolam (Aug. 16 2024)
Daunorubicin and Cytarabine Combination Product (Aug. 02 2024)
Anifrolumab Added to the PBS (Jul. 19 2024)
Novel Therapy for Acne (Jun. 28 2024)
Extended PBS Listing for Secukinumab (Jun. 14 2024)
Safety Update for SSRI and SNRI Medicines (May. 31 2024)
Tafamidis on the PBS (May. 17 2024)
Novel Therapy for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (May. 03 2024)
New Medication for Hot Flushes (Apr. 19 2024)
Inclisiran on the PBS (Apr. 05 2024)
Expanded PBS Listing for Dapagliflozin (Mar. 22 2024)
Cephalosporin-induced Neurotoxicity (Mar. 08 2024)
Tebentafusp for Uveal Melanoma (Feb. 23 2024)
Subcutaneous Natalizumab on the PBS (Feb. 09 2024)
Melanoma Therapy Added to the PBS (Jan. 26 2024)
Expanded PBS Listing for Orkambi® (Jan. 12 2024)
Enfortumab Vedotin on the PBS (Dec. 15 2023)
Reversing the Anticoagulant Effects of Factor Xa Inhibitors (Dec. 01 2023)
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan on the PBS (Nov. 17 2023)
Baclofen Safety Update (Nov. 03 2023)
Oral Azacitidine on the PBS (Oct. 20 2023)
Enzalutamide for Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (Oct. 06 2023)
Darolutamide and Liver Test Abnormalities (Sep. 22 2023)
Patiromer on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (Sep. 08 2023)
Curcumin and Liver Injury (Aug. 25 2023)
Eptinezumab on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (Aug. 11 2023)
Baricitinib for Alopecia Areata (Jul. 28 2023)
A Comparison of Acalabrutinib Tablets and Capsules (Jul. 14 2023)
Migraine Prophylaxis and Pregnancy (Jun. 30 2023)
Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib for Endometrial Cancer (Jun. 16 2023)
Apalutamide on the PBS (Jun. 02 2023)
New Boxed Warnings for JAK Inhibitors (May. 19 2023)
New Abiraterone Formulation (May. 05 2023)
Seasonal Influenza Vaccines for 2023 (Apr. 21 2023)
Ruxolitinib for Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Apr. 07 2023)
Update on Pregabalin During Pregnancy (Mar. 24 2023)
Updated Contraindications for Paxlovid™ (Mar. 10 2023)
Updated HPV Vaccine Dosing Schedule (Feb. 24 2023)
Opicapone for Parkinson’s Disease (Feb. 10 2023)
Acute Respiratory Toxicity and Hydrochlorothiazide (Jan. 27 2023)
Faricimab on the PBS (Jan. 13 2023)
Pegcetacoplan on the PBS (Dec. 30 2022)
New Formulation of Lorazepam (Dec. 16 2022)
PBAC Recommendations for COVID-19 Oral Antivirals (Dec. 02 2022)
Extended PBS Listing for Cemiplimab (Nov. 18 2022)
Vitamin B6 Supplements and Peripheral Neuropathy (Nov. 04 2022)
Decitabine With Cedazuridine (Inqovi®) (Oct. 21 2022)
Expanded PBS Listing for Pembrolizumab (Oct. 07 2022)
Niraparib on the PBS (Sep. 23 2022)
Expanded PBS Listing for Dapagliflozin (Sep. 09 2022)
New PBS Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis (Aug. 26 2022)
Longer Acting Paliperidone (Aug. 12 2022)
New Therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Jul. 29 2022)
Indication Extension for Lenvatinib (Jul. 15 2022)
Sepsis Clinical Care Standard (Jul. 01 2022)
Clarithromycin and Electrolyte Disturbances (Jun. 17 2022)
Clozapine Safety Advisory (Jun. 03 2022)
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment (May. 20 2022)
PBS Listing Expanded for Nintedanib (May. 06 2022)
Oral COVID-19 Treatment on PBS (Apr. 22 2022)
Triple-therapy Inhaler on the PBS (Apr. 08 2022)
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin on the PBS (Mar. 25 2022)
Cardiovascular Warnings for Donepezil (Mar. 11 2022)
Levothyroxine Formulations (Feb. 25 2022)
Upadacitinib for Atopic Dermatitis (Feb. 11 2022)
Encorafenib for Colorectal Caner (Jan. 21 2022)
Safety Advisory for Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium (Jan. 07 2022)
Update on Ceftriaxone (Dec. 21 2021)
Expanded PBS Listing for Venetoclax (Dec. 10 2021)
Subcutaneous Daratumumab (Nov. 29 2021)
Triple Therapy Inhaler on the PBS (Nov. 12 2021)
Ofatumumab on the PBS (Oct. 28 2021)
Ciclosporin Eye Drops (Oct. 14 2021)
Safety Update for Anti-thyroid Drugs (Oct. 01 2021)
Cariprazine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (Sep. 17 2021)
Alternative Adrenaline Autoinjector (Sep. 03 2021)
Post-injection Syndrome (Aug. 20 2021)
Alirocumab on the PBS (Aug. 06 2021)
Update to Empagliflozin (Jul. 23 2021)
Expanded PBS criteria for Nivolumab and Ipilimumab (Jul. 09 2021)
Triple Therapy for COPD (Jun. 24 2021)
Progesterone for Prevention of Preterm Birth (Jun. 11 2021)
Olaparib Indications Extended (May. 28 2021)
Cannabidiol for Dravet Syndrome (May. 13 2021)
PBS Changes for Adalimumab (Apr. 30 2021)
Short-course Oxycodone (Apr. 16 2021)
Ozanimod on the PBS (Mar. 31 2021)
New Dermatitis Therapy on the PBS (Mar. 19 2021)
New Asthma Therapy Listed on the PBS (Mar. 05 2021)
Updated Contraindications for Metronidazole (Feb. 17 2021)
New Therapy for Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (Feb. 05 2021)
Apremilast on the PBS (Jan. 22 2021)
Extended Indications for Dapagliflozin (Jan. 06 2021)
Beclometasone and Formoterol Inhaler (Dec. 23 2020)
New PBS Listing for Rivaroxaban (Dec. 11 2020)
Potential Metformin Contamination (Nov. 27 2020)
Siponimod on the PBS (Nov. 13 2020)
Expanded PBS Listing for Apomorphine (Oct. 30 2020)
Aflibercept on the PBS (Oct. 16 2020)
Lorlatinib on the PBS (Oct. 02 2020)
Removal of Bufexamac Products (Sep. 18 2020)
Acalabrutinib on the PBS (Sep. 04 2020)
Hydrochlorothiazide and Skin Cancer (Aug. 21 2020)
Zoster vaccine and immunosuppression (Aug. 07 2020)
Semaglutide on the PBS (Jul. 24 2020)
Updates to the PBS criteria for evolocumab (Jul. 09 2020)
Insulin Glargine on the PBS (May. 27 2020)
PBS Changes for Common Antibiotics (May. 13 2020)
Neuraminidase Inhibitors for Influenza (Apr. 29 2020)
National COVID-19 Guidelines (Apr. 16 2020)
Prescribing Restrictions for Hydroxychloroquine (Apr. 02 2020)
Update on Influenza Vaccines (Mar. 19 2020)
Generic Tiotropium Capsules (Mar. 05 2020)
Updated Oral and Dental Guidelines (Jan. 24 2020)
New Contraindications for Glaucoma Medication (Jan. 10 2020)
Ceftazidime with Avibactam (Dec. 27 2019)
Teduglutide for Short Bowel Syndrome (Dec. 13 2019)
Neratinib for Breast Cancer (Nov. 29 2019)
Antibiotic Awareness Week (Nov. 15 2019)
Buprenorphine Depot Injections (Nov. 01 2019)
New Warning for Febuxostat (Oct. 18 2019)
Naloxone Nasal Spray (Oct. 04 2019)
Anticoagulants in Antiphospholipid Syndrome (Sep. 20 2019)
Local Anaesthetics for Oromucosal Use (Sep. 06 2019)
Rufinamide for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (Aug. 23 2019)
New Treatment for Carcinoid Syndrome (Aug. 09 2019)
PBS Changes for Pembrolizumab Listing (Jul. 26 2019)
Updated Results for Pembrolizumab in treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (Jul. 12 2019)
Palbociclib added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (Jun. 28 2019)
Faster-Acting Insulin Aspart (Jun. 14 2019)
Alemtuzumab Safety Review (May. 31 2019)
Safinamide for Parkinson’s Disease (May. 17 2019)
Updated Recommendations for Measles Vaccination (May. 03 2019)
New High-Strength Insulin (Apr. 18 2019)
Tofacitinib Safety Issue (Apr. 05 2019)
New Medication for Weight Management (Mar. 22 2019)
Carbimazole Safety Issues (Mar. 08 2019)
Updated Recall Procedures (Feb. 22 2019)
Appropriate Use of Promethazine (Feb. 08 2019)
New Contraindication for Doxycycline (Jan. 25 2019)
Ertugliflozin for Type 2 Diabetes (Jan. 11 2019)
Pholcodine and Anaphylaxis (Dec. 14 2018)
