New oral contraceptive made available through the PBS
29 Sep 2025
From 1 October, a new oral contraceptive will be available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Estetrol with drospirenone, sold under the brand name Nextstellis, is one of the new listings. Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the listing will give Australians more contraceptive options.
Minister Butler noted that around 520,000 people used a similar oral contraceptive in Australia last year, and without PBS support, a prescription would cost more than $328 per year.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended the listing in March, highlighting feedback from consumers about the importance of affordable contraceptive options. PBAC also pointed to benefits including effective contraception, menstrual management, and a safety profile that is generally more tolerable than older oral contraceptives.
In addition to the contraceptive, three other medications will be added to the PBS in October:
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Capivasertib (Truqap) – for metastatic breast cancer. Around 3,000 patients are expected to benefit, with a course otherwise costing more than $98,000.
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Ranibizumab (Lucentis) – for serious eye conditions caused by diabetes, potentially benefiting around 500 patients annually. Without PBS support, the treatment could cost about $9,000 per patient.
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Lumasiran (Oxlumo) – for primary hyperoxaluria type 1, a rare genetic condition that can lead to kidney failure. Approximately 50 patients are expected to benefit, with a treatment cost of about $392,000 per year if not on PBS.
Minister Butler said these PBS listings “will be lifechanging for thousands of Australians.”
Source: Australian Government, Department of Health
