Eczema treatment to join PBS from October
21 Sep 2026
Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, sold as aZematop, will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 October for eligible people aged 16 and over with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. More than 143,000 Australians are expected to benefit each year.
The PBS listing is expected to reduce the cost of treatment for eligible patients. Without the subsidy, a prescription can cost more than $54.
Dr Anneliese Willems, a member of the RACGP Specific Interests Dermatology group, said the listing would provide another option for GPs treating eczema.
She said she had previously used compounded tacrolimus for some patients, which could be expensive.
Tacrolimus is not expected to replace topical corticosteroids. Instead, Dr Willems said it could be useful in situations where treatment is needed for sensitive areas such as the face and eyelids.
Pimecrolimus has also been available for facial eczema, but Dr Willems said tacrolimus can provide another treatment option.
Patients using tacrolimus may experience some burning or stinging when they first apply the ointment.
Dr Willems also said topical corticosteroids remain a first-line treatment for eczema. She noted that some patients have concerns about these medicines because of information shared on social media.
She said consultations may involve explaining how topical corticosteroids should be used and addressing concerns about their safety.
Another medicine will also receive PBS changes from 1 October. Pre-filled pen forms of omalizumab, sold as Omlyclo, will be available for eligible Australians with severe asthma or chronic spontaneous urticaria, commonly known as hives.
More than 5,700 Australians are expected to benefit from the new PBS listing. Without the subsidy, the medicine can cost more than $450 per prescription.
Eczema treatment to join PBS from October
Source: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing; RACGP newsGP.