Patients seeking to access the PBS price for items which were being dispensed via private prescriptions may be unaware that they require a new prescription from their prescriber. The department has already received enquiries about Yaz^® and Yasmin^® today, 1 March 2025.

Where an item is added to the PBS schedule, a prescription dating back to before the item was added will not entitle the patient to the PBS subsidised price. Patients will need to get a new prescription to receive the PBS price. Current prescriptions for these medicines could still be dispensed, but they are not eligible for the PBS discounted rates.

We appreciate your help to ensure patients are aware of this.