Thousands of Australians suffering with chronic heart failure have been thrown a new lifeline, with a potentially lifesaving medication added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
In a move praised by cardiologists, dapagliflozin – sold by the brand name Forxiga and currently listed on the PBS to treat type two diabetes – will be expanded to treat chronic heart failure in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 40 per cent.
An estimated 480,000 Australians live with heart failure, and more than 60,000 new diagnoses are made each year. About 98,000 of those patients are set to benefit from this medication which experts say can reduce the risk of hospitalisation for heart failure and cardiovascular death, when used together with standard care.
The medication, which has been proven to protect the heart from getting weaker and improves common symptoms of heart failure, would cost patients more than $660 per year of treatment without subsidies.
Cardiologist Alicia Chan, who specialises in heart failure, said the listing of Forxiga for cases of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction provided crucial access to another option in treating the chronic condition.
“My aim as a cardiologist is to work closely with my patients living with heart failure to manage their condition, which can help them stay out of hospital and reduce the risk of cardiovascular death,” Dr Chan said.
Health Minister Mark Butler said listing the medication would give patients access to a new treatment at a more affordable cost.
It follows the listing of Jardiance (empagliflozin) last November, to treat the same type of chronic heart failure, meaning about 98,000 patients now have a choice between treatments.
“About 180 Australians are hospitalised every single day with symptomatic chronic heart failure and they are often repeated hospitalisations,” Mr Butler said.
“The listing of Forxiga will give patients access to a treatment at a more affordable cost than they would otherwise pay.”
Taryn Hall, chief executive and founder of hearts4heart, praised the announcement.
“Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to enable people with heart failure to live a full and active life,” she said.
“As an organisation supporting people living with heart failure, we see the importance of new treatment options.”
Mr Butler said the latest announcement meant the Albanese government had approved extra funding for 171 new and amended listings on the PBS since coming to government.