Over a million Australians suffering from the chronic illness endometriosis will finally have access to subsidised treatment on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Health Minister Mark Butler made the announcement on Sunday, revealing that the federal government would be subsidising a tablet for the common condition. This is massive news, with this subsidised treatment being the first in three decades.
“For too long, women living with endometriosis have had to struggle in silence,” he said.
“Women are suffering unnecessarily. They’re having their experiences dismissed, being called hysterical and accused of drug shopping. Women’s pain is real and it’s time we stop telling women to just suck it up.”
Endometriosis affects roughly one in seven Australians assigned female at birth, and there’s no cure. According to Health Direct, the condition occurs when body tissue (similar to the lining of the uterus) grows outside of the uterus. Symptoms can include crippling stomach or pelvic pain, heavy periods, irregular bleeding, reduced fertility and more.
The pill that has been added to the PBS is called Visanne (dienogest), and it’s a daily tablet which “works to shrink and suppress the growth of abnormal tissue”.
Without the PBS subsidy, Butler claims patients could shell out approximately $750 per year for treatment.
“Our Government’s listing of Visanne on the PBS will be a game changer for women living with endo. Making this medicine cheaper for women is going to be transformative,” the Health Minister said.
Nikki Steendam, 46, has been taking Visanne since receiving her endometriosis diagnosis.
“For a while there, I was like a zombie, just doing the bare minimum to get through the day,” she told The Guardian.
“These days, I’m feeling a lot better. My day-to-day life has improved, the pain has gone, and I don’t need pain medication.”
The Federal Government has now invested $107 million to support Australians who have endometriosis, including creating 22 new Endemotrosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics around the country, funding research and more.
Lead image: Getty
The post Life-Changing Endometriosis Treatment To Be Subsidised In ‘Transformative’ Move appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
