Up next
Author
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp
More than 65,000 Australians are expected to benefit from cheaper access to a medicine for chronic kidney disease recently added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Jardiance, also known as Empagliflozin, is a medication that can slow kidney damage over time and help preserve kidney function for longer.
Health Minister Mark Butler says it’s a life-changing drug for many Australians.

“Last year, we made Jardiance available to a select group of Australians suffering from a specific kidney condition. Starting Saturday, we anticipate that an additional 70,000 Australians with kidney disease will gain access to this transformative medication,” he announced on Tuesday.

Data from the 2021 Census indicates that kidney disease affects approximately 1% of the Australian population, with the condition being diagnosed in one in every twenty Australians aged 75 and older.

For those eligible patients who do not hold a concession card, the cost of a prescription is currently $31.60. This price is set to decrease to $25 starting next year.

Peter Brown, who was diagnosed with kidney disease two years ago and has been relying on medication to improve his condition, said he was pleased to learn his upcoming medication bill can be cheaper
“It’s gonna make a big difference, and the fact that $7.70 is a big difference when you work it out over 12 months,” said Brown, referring to the concession-card rate for a single script of Jardiance.

Health Minister Mark Butler emphasizes that Jardiance, scientifically known as Empagliflozin, is significantly transformative for numerous Australians. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Health Minister Mark Butler holds up a concession card while speaking in the House of Representatives.

Butler said kidney disease was a silent epidemic in Australia.

“We think more than two and a half million Australians have kidney disease, but less than 10 per cent of them know about it, because the signs and symptoms of kidney disease usually only become apparent when it’s as much as 90 per cent of loss of kidney function has already taken place.”
Professor Carol Pollock, the chair of Kidney Health Australia, also stresses the importance of conducting health checks to detect the asymptomatic disease.
“To pick up kidney disease, what we really need is a blood test, a blood pressure check and a urine test. And some people will have some of these tests done, but not always together, and we really need the three of them to be done,” she said.
“And what we would like to see is a kidney health check that meant that people would have those things done and then have an understanding of what the risk the kidney disease could be and allow it to be appropriately treated.”
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp
You May Also Like

Unraveling the Mystery: Why These Look-Alike Chinese Restaurants Are Baffling Locals

There’s nothing Australians love more than a succulent Chinese meal, as witnessed…
WA man jailed for stealing intimate material and using 'evil twin' WiFi networks

Australian Man Imprisoned for Setting Up Malicious WiFi Networks at Airports

A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to prison for setting up fraudulent…
Anthony Albanese marries Jodie Haydon in private ceremony at The Lodge

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Weds Jodie Haydon in Intimate Ceremony at The Lodge

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married long-time partner Jodie Haydon in an…
Cricket star goes viral for hilarious celebrations after FINALLY scoring a maiden first class century

Cricket Star Gains Online Fame for Amusing Celebrations Following First-Class Century Achievement

<!– <!– <!– <!– New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi, traditionally known for his…
Naha, Japan - October 3, 2023: Jetstar Japan Airlines Airbus A321neo airplane at Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) in Japan.

Jetstar Grounds Flights Following Airbus Aircraft Recall Announcement

Jetstar flights across the country are anticipated to face delays due to…

Tragic Hong Kong Inferno Claims Over 90 Lives, Marking City’s Most Devastating Fire in Decades

Anger is mounting in Hong Kong after the city’s worst fire in…
ACT Policing is urging the mother of the newborn baby to seek medical attention.

Heroic Canberra Firefighters Rescue Abandoned Newborn at Station: Heartwarming Story of Quick Action

Police are looking for dashcam footage after a a newborn baby was…
Matildas star's secret heartbreak as teammates pay tribute during gutsy performance against New Zealand

Matildas Star’s Private Heartache Honored by Teammates in Determined Match Against New Zealand

Amidst a deeply personal tragedy, Matildas star Winonah Heatley joined her team’s…