National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2019 (No. 3) (PB 20 of 2019) (Cth)

Case

PB 20 of 2019

National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2019 (No. 3)

National Health Act 1953

___________________________________________________________________________

I, BEN SLADIC, Assistant Secretary, Pharmacy Branch, Technology Assessment and Access Division, Department of Health, delegate of the Minister for Health, make this Amendment Instrument under subsection 100(2) of the National Health Act 1953.

Dated         27 March 2019

BEN SLADIC

Assistant Secretary

Pharmacy Branch

Technology Assessment and Access Division

Department of Health

___________________________________________________________________________

  1. Name of Instrument

(1)This Instrument is the National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2019 (No. 3).

(2)This Instrument may also be cited as PB 20 of 2019.

  1. Commencement

This Instrument commences on 1 April 2019.

  1. Amendment of National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement 2010 (PB 116 of 2010)

Schedule 1 amends the National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement 2010 (PB 116 of 2010).

Schedule 1       Amendments

  1. Schedule 1, entry for Abatacept

omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C4695 C4734 C6900 C6908 C6927        substitute: C8627 C8638 C8655 C8688 C8748 C8759

  1. Schedule 1, entry for Atazanavir in the form Capsule 200 mg (as sulfate)

insert in the columns in the order indicated, and in alphabetical order for the column headed “Brand”:

Atazanavir Mylan AF EMP C4454 C4512 120 5 D

  1. Schedule 1, entry for Atazanavir in the form Capsule 300 mg (as sulfate)

insert in the columns in the order indicated, and in alphabetical order for the column headed “Brand”:

Atazanavir Mylan AF EMP C4454 C4512 60 5 D

  1. Schedule 1, entry for Filgrastim

substitute:

Filgrastim Injection 120 micrograms in 0.2 mL single use pre filled syringe (Nivestim) Injection Nivestim PF EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D
Injection 300 micrograms in 0.5 mL single use pre filled syringe (Neupogen) Injection Neupogen AN EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D
Injection 300 micrograms in 0.5 mL single use pre filled syringe (Nivestim) Injection Nivestim PF EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D
Injection 300 micrograms in 0.5 mL single use pre filled syringe (TevaGrastim) Injection TevaGrastim TB EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D
Injection 300 micrograms in 0.5 mL single use pre filled syringe (Zarzio) Injection Zarzio SZ EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D
Injection 300 micrograms in 1 mL Injection Neupogen AN EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D
Injection 480 micrograms in 0.5 mL single use pre filled syringe (Neupogen) Injection Neupogen AN EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D
Injection 480 micrograms in 0.5 mL single use pre filled syringe (Nivestim) Injection Nivestim PF EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D
Injection 480 micrograms in 0.5 mL single use pre filled syringe (Zarzio) Injection Zarzio SZ EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D
Injection 480 micrograms in 0.8 mL single use pre filled syringe (TevaGrastim) Injection TevaGrastim TB EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D
Injection 480 micrograms in 1.6 mL Injection Neupogen AN EMP C6621 C6640 C6653 C6654 C6655 C6679 C6680 C7822 C7843 C8667 C8668 C8669 C8670 C8671 C8672 C8673 C8674 C8696 20 11 D

  1. Schedule 1, entry for Infliximab in the form Powder for I.V. infusion 100 mg

(a)omit from the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Inflectra”: C8046 C8047 C8049 C8068

(b)omit from the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Inflectra”: C8082 C8089

(c)omit from the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Inflectra”: C8112

(d)insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Inflectra”: C8645 C8646 C8715 C8743 C8744 C8745 C8755 C8763

(e)omit from the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Remicade”: C8046 C8047 C8067 C8068

(f)omit from the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Remicade”: C8082 C8089

(g)insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Remicade”: C8644 C8645 C8646 C8715 C8743 C8744 C8745

(h)omit from the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Renflexis”: C8046 C8047 C8049 C8068

(i)omit from the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Renflexis”: C8082 C8089

(j)omit from the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Renflexis”: C8112

(k)insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances” for the brand “Renflexis”: C8645 C8646 C8715 C8743 C8744 C8745 C8755 C8763

  1. Schedule 1, entry for Rituximab in the form Solution for I.V. infusion 500 mg in 50 mL

(a)omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C6015 C6042 C6049

(b)insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances”: C8657 C8691 C8716 C8717

  1. Schedule 1, after entry for Sofosbuvir with velpatasvir

insert:

Sofosbuvir with velpatasvir and voxilaprevir Tablet containing 400 mg sofosbuvir with 100 mg velpatasvir and 100 mg voxilaprevir Oral Vosevi GI EMP C5969 28 2

  1. Schedule 1, entry for Tocilizumab in the form Concentrate for injection 80 mg in 4 mL

(a)omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C4672 C4673 C5976

(b)omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C5979

(c)omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C6050

(d)insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances”: C8627 C8635 C8636 C8637 C8638 C8709

  1. Schedule 1, entry for Tocilizumab in the form Concentrate for injection 200 mg in 10 mL

(a)omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C4672 C4673 C5976

(b)omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C5979

(c)omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C6050

(d)insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances”: C8627 C8635 C8636 C8637 C8638 C8709

  1. Schedule 1, entry for Tocilizumab in the form Concentrate for injection 400 mg in 20 mL

(a)omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C4672 C4673 C5976

(b)omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C5979

(c)omit from the column headed “Circumstances”: C6050

(d)insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances”: C8627 C8635 C8636 C8637 C8638 C8709

  1. Schedule 3, entry for Abatacept

substitute:

Abatacept C8627 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Continuing Treatment - balance of supply.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 24 weeks treatment available under the above restriction. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures
C8638 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial 1 (new patient) or Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 24 months) or Initial 3 (recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 24 months) - balance of supply
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 1 (new patient) restriction to complete 16 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 24 months) restriction to complete 16 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 3 (recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 24 months) to complete 16 weeks of treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 16 weeks treatment available under the above restrictions. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures
C8655 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
If a patient has either failed or ceased to respond to a PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition 5 times, they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8688 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 3 (re-commencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 24 months)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have a break in treatment of 24 months or more from the most recent PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must not have failed to respond to previous PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; AND
Patient must not have already failed , or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
The condition must have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour; OR
The condition must have a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND
The condition must have either (a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or (b) at least 4 active major joints; AND
Patient must not receive more than 16 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Major joints are defined as (i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or (ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
All measures of joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an assessment of a patient's response is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8748 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 2 (change or re-commencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 24 months).
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must not have failed to respond to previous PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; AND
Patient must not have already failed , or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
Patient must not receive more than 16 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
An application for a patient who has received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug and who wishes to re-commence therapy with this drug, must be accompanied by evidence of a response to the patient's most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug, within the timeframes specified below.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug was approved under either of the Initial 1, Initial 2, Initial 3, or continuing treatment restrictions, it is recommended that an assessment of a patient's responce is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
At the time of authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion.
Up to a maximum of 4 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
A patient who has demonstrated a response to a course of rituximab must have a PBS-subsidised biological therapy treatment-free period of at least 22 weeks, immediately following the second infusion, before swapping to an alternate biological medicine. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8759 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 1 (new patient)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must not have received PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, one of which must be methotrexate at a dose of at least 20 mg weekly and one of which must be: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if methotrexate is contraindicated according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 of the following DMARDs: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; and/or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; and/or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if 3 or more of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and sulfasalazine are contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at the doses specified above, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, with one or more of the following DMARDs being used in place of the DMARDS which are contraindicated or not tolerated: (i) azathioprine at a dose of at least 1 mg/kg per day; and/or (ii) cyclosporin at a dose of at least 2 mg/kg/day; and/or (iii) sodium aurothiomalate at a dose of 50 mg weekly; AND
Patient must not receive more than 16 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
If methotrexate is contraindicated according to the TGA-approved product information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose,the application must include details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity to methotrexate. The maximum tolerated dose of methotrexate must be documented in the application, if applicable.
The application must include details of the DMARDs trialled, their doses and duration of treatment, and all relevant contraindications and/or intolerances including severity.
The requirement to trial at least 2 DMARDs for periods of at least 3 months each can be met using single agents sequentially or by using one or more combinations of DMARDs.
If the requirement to trial 6 months of intensive DMARD therapy with at least 2 DMARDs cannot be met because of contraindications and/or intolerances of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal to all of the DMARDs specified above, details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity and dose for each DMARD must be provided in the authority application.
The following criteria indicate failure to achieve an adequate response and must be demonstrated in all patients at the time of the initial application:
an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND either
(a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or
(b) at least 4 active joints from the following list of major joints:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
The joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be determined at the completion of the 6 month intensive DMARD trial, but prior to ceasing DMARD therapy. All measures must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
At the time of authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion.
Up to a maximum of 4 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an assessment of a patient's response is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

  1. Schedule 3, entry for Filgrastim

substitute:

Filgrastim C6621 Severe chronic neutropenia
Patient must have an absolute neutrophil count of less than 1,000 million cells per litre measured on 3 occasions, with readings at least 2 weeks apart; OR
Patient must have neutrophil dysfunction; AND
Patient must have experienced a life-threatening infectious episode requiring hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous antibiotics in the previous 12 months; OR
Patient must have had at least 3 recurrent clinically significant infections in the previous 12 months. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 6621
C6640 Chronic cyclical neutropenia
Patient must have an absolute neutrophil count of less than 500 million cells per litre lasting for 3 days per cycle, measured over 3 separate cycles; AND
Patient must have experienced a life-threatening infectious episode requiring hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous antibiotics; OR
Patient must have had at least 3 recurrent clinically significant infections in the previous 12 months. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 6640
C6653 Mobilisation of peripheral blood progenitor cells
The treatment must be to facilitate harvest of peripheral blood progenitor cells for autologous transplantation into a patient with a non-myeloid malignancy who has had myeloablative or myelosuppressive therapy. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 6653
C6654 Mobilisation of peripheral blood progenitor cells
The treatment must be in a normal volunteer for use in allogeneic transplantation. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 6654
C6655 Assisting autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation
The treatment must be following marrow-ablative chemotherapy for non-myeloid malignancy prior to the transplantation. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 6655
C6679 Assisting bone marrow transplantation
Patient must be receiving marrow-ablative chemotherapy prior to the transplantation. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 6679
C6680 Severe congenital neutropenia
Patient must have an absolute neutrophil count of less than 100 million cells per litre measured on 3 occasions, with readings at least 2 weeks apart; AND
Patient must have had a bone marrow examination that has shown evidence of maturational arrest of the neutrophil lineage. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 6680
C7822 Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia
Patient must be receiving chemotherapy with the intention of achieving a cure or a substantial remission; AND
Patient must be at greater than 20% risk of developing febrile neutropenia; OR
Patient must be at substantial risk (greater than 20%) of prolonged severe neutropenia for more than or equal to seven days. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 7822
C7843 Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia
Patient must be receiving chemotherapy with the intention of achieving a cure or a substantial remission; AND
Patient must have had a prior episode of febrile neutropenia; OR
Patient must have had a prior episode of prolonged severe neutropenia for more than or equal to seven days. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 7843
C8667 Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia
Patient must be receiving chemotherapy with the intention of achieving a cure or a substantial remission; AND
Patient must have had a prior episode of febrile neutropenia; OR
Patient must have had a prior episode of prolonged severe neutropenia for more than or equal to seven days. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8667
C8668 Mobilisation of peripheral blood progenitor cells
The treatment must be in a normal volunteer for use in allogeneic transplantation. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8668
C8669 Severe congenital neutropenia
Patient must have an absolute neutrophil count of less than 100 million cells per litre measured on 3 occasions, with readings at least 2 weeks apart; AND
Patient must have had a bone marrow examination that has shown evidence of maturational arrest of the neutrophil lineage. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8669
C8670 Severe chronic neutropenia
Patient must have an absolute neutrophil count of less than 1,000 million cells per litre measured on 3 occasions, with readings at least 2 weeks apart; OR
Patient must have neutrophil dysfunction; AND
Patient must have experienced a life-threatening infectious episode requiring hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous antibiotics in the previous 12 months; OR
Patient must have had at least 3 recurrent clinically significant infections in the previous 12 months. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8670
C8671 Assisting bone marrow transplantation
Patient must be receiving marrow-ablative chemotherapy prior to the transplantation. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8671
C8672 Mobilisation of peripheral blood progenitor cells
The treatment must be to facilitate harvest of peripheral blood progenitor cells for autologous transplantation into a patient with a non-myeloid malignancy who has had myeloablative or myelosuppressive therapy. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8672
C8673 Chronic cyclical neutropenia
Patient must have an absolute neutrophil count of less than 500 million cells per litre lasting for 3 days per cycle, measured over 3 separate cycles; AND
Patient must have experienced a life-threatening infectious episode requiring hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous antibiotics; OR
Patient must have had at least 3 recurrent clinically significant infections in the previous 12 months. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8673
C8674 Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia
Patient must be receiving chemotherapy with the intention of achieving a cure or a substantial remission; AND
Patient must be at greater than 20% risk of developing febrile neutropenia; OR
Patient must be at substantial risk (greater than 20%) of prolonged severe neutropenia for more than or equal to seven days. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8674
C8696 Assisting autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation
The treatment must be following marrow-ablative chemotherapy for non-myeloid malignancy prior to the transplantation. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8696

  1. Schedule 3, entry for Infliximab

(a)omit:

C8046 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial 1 (new patient or patient recommencing treatment after a break of more than 24 months)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must not have received PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition in the previous 24 months; AND
Patient must not have failed previous PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition, and must have not already failed, or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, one of which must be methotrexate at a dose of at least 20 mg weekly and one of which must be: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if methotrexate is contraindicated according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 of the following DMARDs: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; and/or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; and/or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if 3 or more of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and sulfasalazine are contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at the doses specified above, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, with one or more of the following DMARDs being used in place of the DMARDS which are contraindicated or not tolerated: (i) azathioprine at a dose of at least 1 mg/kg per day; and/or (ii) cyclosporin at a dose of at least 2 mg/kg/day; and/or (iii) sodium aurothiomalate at a dose of 50 mg weekly; AND
Patient must not receive more than 22 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
If methotrexate is contraindicated according to the TGA-approved product information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose,the application must include details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity to methotrexate. The maximum tolerated dose of methotrexate must be documented in the application, if applicable.
The application must include details of the DMARDs trialled, their doses and duration of treatment, and all relevant contraindications and/or intolerances including severity.
The requirement to trial at least 2 DMARDs for periods of at least 3 months each can be met using single agents sequentially or by using one or more combinations of DMARDs.
If the requirement to trial 6 months of intensive DMARD therapy with at least 2 DMARDs cannot be met because of contraindications and/or intolerances of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal to all of the DMARDs specified above, details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity and dose for each DMARD must be provided in the authority application including severity.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form; and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
Assessment of a patient's response to an initial course of treatment must be made after at least 12 weeks of treatment so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
This assessment, which will be used to determine eligibility for the first continuing treatment, must be submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of this initial course of treatment.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug was approved under either of the Initial 1 or Initial 2 treatment restrictions, the patient must have been assessed for response following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy. This assessment must be submitted no later than 4 weeks from the date that course was ceased.
Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
An application for a patient who has received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug and who wishes to re-commence therapy with this drug, must be accompanied by evidence of a response to the patient's most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug, within the timeframes specified below.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug was approved under the first continuing or subsequent continuing treatment restriction, the patient must have been assessed for response.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
The following criteria indicate failure to achieve an adequate response and must be demonstrated in all patients at the time of the initial application:
an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND either
(a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or
(b) at least 4 active joints from the following list of major joints:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
The joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be determined at the completion of the 6 month intensive DMARD trial, but prior to ceasing DMARD therapy. All measures must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8047 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Continuing Treatment – balance of supply.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the first continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the subsequent continuing Authority Required (in writing) treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 24 weeks treatment available under the above restrictions.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures
C8049 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment per subsequent continuing treatment course authorised under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
Each application for subsequent continuing treatment with this drug must include an assessment of the patient's response to the prior course of therapy. If the response assessment is not provided at the time of application the patient will be deemed to have failed this course of treatment.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures
C8067 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) a completed authority prescription form; and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
Each application for subsequent continuing treatment with this drug must include an assessment of the patient's response to the prior course of therapy. If the response assessment is not provided at the time of application the patient will be deemed to have failed this course of treatment.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
A patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment per subsequent continuing treatment course authorised under this restriction. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8068 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial 1 (new patient or patient recommencing treatment after a break of more than 24 months) or Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after break of less than 24 months) – balance of supply.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 1 (new patient or patient recommencing treatment after break of more than 24 months) restriction to complete 22 weeks treatment; AND
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after break of less than 24 months) restriction to complete 22 weeks treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 22 weeks treatment available under the above restrictions.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures

(b)omit:

C8082 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial 2 (change or re-commencement of treatment after a break of less than 24 months)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition in this treatment cycle; AND
Patient must not receive more than 22 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form; and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
An application for a patient who has received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug and who wishes to re-commence therapy with this drug, must be accompanied by evidence of a response to the patient's most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug, within the timeframes specified below.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug was approved under either of the Initial 1 or Initial 2 treatment restrictions, the patient must have been assessed for response following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy. This assessment must be conducted no later than 4 weeks from the date that course was ceased.
Where a response assessment is not undertaken the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug was approved under the first continuing or subsequent continuing treatment restriction, the patient must have been assessed for response.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
A patient who has demonstrated a response to a course of rituximab must have a PBS-subsidised biological therapy treatment-free period of at least 22 weeks, immediately following the second infusion, before swapping to an alternate biological medicine.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8089 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
First continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form; and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
The application for first continuing treatment following an initial treatment course must be made following a minimum of 12 weeks of treatment with this drug. This assessment must be submitted no later than 4 weeks from the cessation of that treatment course.
If the response assessment is not submitted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed this course of treatment.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

(c)omit:

C8112 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment per subsequent continuing treatment course authorised under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
The measurement of response to the prior course of therapy must be documented in the patient's medical notes.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8112

(d)insert in numerical order after existing text:

C8644 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment per subsequent continuing treatment course authorised under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
If a patient has either failed or ceased to respond to a PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition 5 times, they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8645 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 3 (re-commencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 24 months)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have a break in treatment of 24 months or more from the most recent PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must not have failed to respond to previous PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; AND
Patient must not have already failed , or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
The condition must have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour; OR
The condition must have a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND
The condition must have either (a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or (b) at least 4 active major joints; AND
Patient must not receive more than 22 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Major joints are defined as (i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or (ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
All measures of joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an assessment of a patient's response is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8646 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial 1 (new patient) or Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 24 months) or Initial 3 (recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 24 months) - balance of supply
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 1 (new patient) restriction to complete 22 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 24 months) restriction to complete 22 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 3 (recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 24 months) to complete 22 weeks treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 22 weeks treatment available under the above restrictions.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures
C8715 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial 1 (new patient)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must not have received PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, one of which must be methotrexate at a dose of at least 20 mg weekly and one of which must be: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if methotrexate is contraindicated according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 of the following DMARDs: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; and/or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; and/or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if 3 or more of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and sulfasalazine are contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at the doses specified above, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, with one or more of the following DMARDs being used in place of the DMARDS which are contraindicated or not tolerated: (i) azathioprine at a dose of at least 1 mg/kg per day; and/or (ii) cyclosporin at a dose of at least 2 mg/kg/day; and/or (iii) sodium aurothiomalate at a dose of 50 mg weekly; AND
Patient must not receive more than 22 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
If methotrexate is contraindicated according to the TGA-approved product information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose,the application must include details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity to methotrexate. The maximum tolerated dose of methotrexate must be documented in the application, if applicable.
The application must include details of the DMARDs trialled, their doses and duration of treatment, and all relevant contraindications and/or intolerances including severity.
The requirement to trial at least 2 DMARDs for periods of at least 3 months each can be met using single agents sequentially or by using one or more combinations of DMARDs.
If the requirement to trial 6 months of intensive DMARD therapy with at least 2 DMARDs cannot be met because of contraindications and/or intolerances of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal to all of the DMARDs specified above, details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity and dose for each DMARD must be provided in the authority application.
The following criteria indicate failure to achieve an adequate response and must be demonstrated in all patients at the time of the initial application:
an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND either
(a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or
(b) at least 4 active joints from the following list of major joints:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
The joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be determined at the completion of the 6 month intensive DMARD trial, but prior to ceasing DMARD therapy. All measures must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an assessment of a patient's response is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8743 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 2 (change or re-commencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 24 months)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must not have failed to respond to previous PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; AND
Patient must not have already failed , or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
Patient must not receive more than 22 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
An application for a patient who has received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug and who wishes to re-commence therapy with this drug, must be accompanied by evidence of a response to the patient's most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug, within the timeframes specified below.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug was approved under either of the Initial 1, Initial 2, Initial 3, first or subsequent continuing treatment restrictions, it is recommended that an assessment of a patient's response is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
A patient who has demonstrated a response to a course of rituximab must have a PBS-subsidised biological therapy treatment-free period of at least 22 weeks, immediately following the second infusion, before swapping to an alternate biological medicine. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8744 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
First continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
If a patient has either failed or ceased to respond to a PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition 5 times, they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8745 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Continuing Treatment - balance of supply.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the first continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the subsequent continuing Authority Required (in writing) treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 24 weeks treatment available under the above restrictions.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures
C8755 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment per subsequent continuing treatment course authorised under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
The measurement of response to the prior course of therapy must be documented in the patient's medical notes.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
If a patient has either failed or ceased to respond to a PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition 5 times, they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 8755
C8763 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Subsequent continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition under the First continuing treatment restriction; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment per subsequent continuing treatment course authorised under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 3 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
Each application for subsequent continuing treatment with this drug must include an assessment of the patient's response to the prior course of therapy. If the response assessment is not provided at the time of application the patient will be deemed to have failed this course of treatment.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
If a patient has either failed or ceased to respond to a PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition 5 times, they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures

  1. Schedule 3, entry for Midostaurin

(a)omit from the column headed "Circumstances and Purposes" for circumstances code C8138: PBS subsidised              substitute: PBS-subsidised

(b)omit from the column headed "Circumstances and Purposes" for circumstances code C8177: PBS subsidised              substitute: PBS-subsidised

  1. Schedule 3, entry for Rituximab

(a)omit:

C6015 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Continuing treatment
Patient must have a documented history of severe active rheumatoid arthritis; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must have received this drug as the most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) treatment for this condition; AND
Patient must not receive more than 2 infusions of rituximab under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
For the purposes of this restriction bDMARD means abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab or tofacitinib.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(a) completed authority prescription form(s); and
(b) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
A patient may qualify to receive a further course of treatment (every 24 weeks) with this agent provided they have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment following a minimum of 12 weeks after the first infusion of their most recent treatment with rituximab. The demonstration of response must be submitted within 4 weeks of assessment.
Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with rituximab.
A patient whose most recent course of PBS-subsidised therapy was with rituximab and whose response to this treatment is sustained for more than 12 months, may apply for a further course of rituximab under the Continuing treatment restriction.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with rituximab under this restriction will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth). 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C6042 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 2 (change or re-commencement of treatment after break of less than 24 months).
Patient must have a documented history of severe active rheumatoid arthritis; AND
Patient must have failed to respond to at least 1 PBS-subsidised tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alfa antagonist; AND
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) treatment for this condition and are eligible to receive further bDMARD therapy; AND
Patient must not receive more than 2 infusions of rituximab under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
For the purposes of this restriction 'TNF' alfa antagonist means adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab.
For the purposes of this restriction bDMARD means abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab or tofacitinib.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(a) completed authority prescription form(s); and
(b) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
Applications for a patient who has received PBS-subsidised treatment with rituximab and who wishes to re-commence therapy with this drug, must be accompanied by evidence of a response to the patient's most recent course of PBS-subsidised rituximab treatment, within the timeframes specified below.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised rituximab treatment was approved under either of the initial 1 or 2 treatment restrictions, the patient must have been assessed for response at least 12 weeks after the first infusion. This assessment must be submitted no later than 4 weeks from the date of the assessment.
A patient may qualify to receive a further course of treatment (every 24 weeks) with this agent provided they have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment following a minimum of 12 weeks after the first infusion of their most recent treatment with rituximab. The demonstration of response must be submitted within 4 weeks of assessment.
Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with rituximab.
A patient whose most recent course of PBS-subsidised therapy was with rituximab and whose response to this treatment is sustained for more than 12 months, may apply for a further course of rituximab under the Continuing treatment restriction.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with rituximab under this restriction will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to a treatment with rituximab and who qualify to trial an alternate bDMARD according to the interchangeability arrangements for bDMARDs for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis, may do so without having to have a 22 week treatment-free period.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth). 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C6049 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 1 (patient recommencing treatment after a break of more than 24 months)
Patient must have severe active rheumatoid arthritis; AND
Patient must have failed to respond to at least 1 PBS-subsidised tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alfa antagonist; AND
Patient must have received no PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) for this condition in the previous 24 months; AND
Patient must not have failed previous PBS-subsidised treatment with rituximab for this condition, and have not already failed, or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised bDMARD treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, one of which must be methotrexate at a dose of at least 20 mg weekly and one of which must be: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if methotrexate is contraindicated according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 of the following DMARDs: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; and/or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; and/or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if 3 or more of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and sulfasalazine are contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at the doses specified above, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, with one or more of the following DMARDs being used in place of the DMARDS which are contraindicated or not tolerated: (i) azathioprine at a dose of at least 1 mg/kg per day; and/or (ii) cyclosporin at a dose of at least 2 mg/kg/day; and/or (iii) sodium aurothiomalate at a dose of 50 mg weekly; AND
Patient must not receive more than 2 infusions of rituximab under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
For the purposes of this restriction 'TNF' alfa antagonist means adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab.
For the purposes of this restriction bDMARD means abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab or tofacitinib.
If methotrexate is contraindicated according to the TGA-approved product information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose,the application must include details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity to methotrexate. The maximum tolerated dose of methotrexate must be documented in the application, if applicable.
The application must include details of the DMARDs trialled, their doses and duration of treatment, and all relevant contraindications and/or intolerances including severity.
The requirement to trial at least 2 DMARDs for periods of at least 3 months each can be met using single agents sequentially or by using one or more combinations of DMARDs.
If the requirement to trial 6 months of intensive DMARD therapy with at least 2 DMARDs cannot be met because of contraindications and/or intolerances of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal to all of the DMARDs specified above, details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity and dose for each DMARD must be provided in the authority application.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form; and
(3) a signed patient acknowledgement.
Assessment of a patient's response to an initial course of treatment must be made at least 12 weeks after the first infusion so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated. This assessment, which will be used to determine eligibility for continuing treatment, must be submitted to the Department of Human Services within 4 weeks of the date it was conducted. Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted to the Department of Human Services within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with rituximab.
A patient whose most recent course of PBS-subsidised therapy was with rituximab and whose response to this treatment is sustained for more than 12 months, may apply for a further course of rituximab under the Continuing treatment restriction.
If a patient who fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with rituximab under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
A patient who fails to demonstrate a response to rituximab treatment and who qualifies to trial an alternate bDMARD according to the interchangeability arrangements for bDMARDs for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis, may do so without having to have a 22 week treatment-free period.
The following criteria indicate failure to achieve an adequate response and must be demonstrated in all patients at the time of the initial application:
an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND either
(a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or
(b) at least 4 active joints from the following list of major joints:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
The joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be determined at the completion of the 6 month intensive DMARD trial, but prior to ceasing DMARD therapy. All measures must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
Where the baseline joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

(b)insert in numerical order after existing text:

C8657 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 1 (new patient)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have failed to respond to at least 1 PBS-subsidised tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alfa antagonist for this condition; AND
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, one of which must be methotrexate at a dose of at least 20 mg weekly and one of which must be: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if methotrexate is contraindicated according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 of the following DMARDs: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; and/or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; and/or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if 3 or more of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and sulfasalazine are contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at the doses specified above, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, with one or more of the following DMARDs being used in place of the DMARDS which are contraindicated or not tolerated: (i) azathioprine at a dose of at least 1 mg/kg per day; and/or (ii) cyclosporin at a dose of at least 2 mg/kg/day; and/or (iii) sodium aurothiomalate at a dose of 50 mg weekly; AND
Patient must not receive more than 2 infusions of this drug under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
If methotrexate is contraindicated according to the TGA-approved product information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose,the application must include details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity to methotrexate. The maximum tolerated dose of methotrexate must be documented in the application, if applicable.
The application must include details of the DMARDs trialled, their doses and duration of treatment, and all relevant contraindications and/or intolerances including severity.
The requirement to trial at least 2 DMARDs for periods of at least 3 months each can be met using single agents sequentially or by using one or more combinations of DMARDs.
If the requirement to trial 6 months of intensive DMARD therapy with at least 2 DMARDs cannot be met because of contraindications and/or intolerances of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal to all of the DMARDs specified above, details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity and dose for each DMARD must be provided in the authority application.
The following criteria indicate failure to achieve an adequate response and must be demonstrated in all patients at the time of the initial application:
an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND either
(a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or
(b) at least 4 active joints from the following list of major joints:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
The joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be determined at the completion of the 6 month intensive DMARD trial, but prior to ceasing DMARD therapy. All measures must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an assessment of a patient's response is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
A patient whose most recent course of PBS-subsidised therapy was with this drug and whose response to this treatment is sustained for more than 12 months, may apply for a further course of this drug under the Continuing treatment restriction.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to this drug and who qualifies to trial an alternate biological medicine according to the interchangeability arrangements for biological medicines for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis, may do so without having to have a 22 week treatment-free period. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8691 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 2 infusions of this drug under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
A patient may qualify to receive a further course of treatment (every 24 weeks) with this drug provided they have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment following a minimum of 12 weeks after the first infusion of their most recent treatment with this drug. The demonstration of response must be submitted within 4 weeks of assessment.
It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
A patient whose most recent course of PBS-subsidised therapy was with this drug and whose response to this treatment is sustained for more than 12 months, may apply for a further course of this drug under the Continuing treatment restriction.
If a patient has either failed or ceased to respond to a PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition 5 times, they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8716 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 3 (re-commencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 24 months)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have a break in treatment of 24 months or more from the most recent PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have failed to respond to at least 1 PBS-subsidised tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alfa antagonist for this condition; AND
Patient must not have failed to respond to previous PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; AND
Patient must not have already failed , or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
The condition must have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour; OR
The condition must have a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND
The condition must have either (a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or (b) at least 4 active major joints; AND
Patient must not receive more than 2 infusions of this drug under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Major joints are defined as (i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or (ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
All measures of joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an assessment of a patient's response is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
A patient whose most recent course of PBS-subsidised therapy was with this drug and whose response to this treatment is sustained for more than 12 months, may apply for a further course of this drug under the Continuing treatment restriction.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to this drug and who qualifies to trial an alternate biological medicine according to the interchangeability arrangements for biological medicines for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis, may do so without having to have a 22 week treatment-free period. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8717 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 2 (change or re-commencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 24 months)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have failed to respond to at least 1 PBS-subsidised tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alfa antagonist for this condition; AND
Patient must not have failed to respond to previous PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; AND
Patient must not have already failed , or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
Patient must not receive more than 2 infusions of this drug under this restriction; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with methotrexate at a dose of at least 7.5 mg weekly.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
An application for a patient who has received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug and who wishes to re-commence therapy with this drug, must be accompanied by evidence of a response to the patient's most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug, within the timeframes specified below.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment was approved under either of the Initial 1, Initial 2, Initial 3 treatment restrictions, it is recommended that an assessment of a patient's response is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks after the first infusion and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
A patient may qualify to receive a further course of treatment (every 24 weeks) with this drug provided they have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment following a minimum of 12 weeks after the first infusion of their most recent treatment with this drug. The demonstration of response must be submitted within 4 weeks of assessment.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
A patient whose most recent course of PBS-subsidised therapy was with this drug and whose response to this treatment is sustained for more than 12 months, may apply for a further course of this drug under the Continuing treatment restriction.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to this drug and who qualifies to trial an alternate biological medicine according to the interchangeability arrangements for biological medicines for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis, may do so without having to have a 22 week treatment-free period. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

  1. Schedule 3, after entry for Sofosbuvir with velpatasvir

insert:

Sofosbuvir with velpatasvir and voxilaprevir C5969 Chronic hepatitis C infection
Patient must meet the criteria set out in the General Statement for Drugs for the Treatment of Hepatitis C; AND
Patient must be taking this drug as part of a regimen set out in the matrix in the General Statement for Drugs for the Treatment of Hepatitis C, based on the hepatitis C virus genotype, patient treatment history and cirrhotic status; AND
The treatment must be limited to a maximum duration of 12 weeks. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures

  1. Schedule 3, entry for Tocilizumab

(a)omit:

C4672 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 1 (new patient or patient recommencing treatment after a break of more than 24 months) or Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after break of less than 24 months) – balance of supply.
Patient must have received insufficient tocilizumab therapy under the Initial 1 (new patient or patient recommencing treatment after break of more than 24 months) restriction to complete 16 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient tocilizumab therapy under the Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after break of less than 24 months) restriction to complete 16 weeks treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 16 weeks treatment available under the above restrictions.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures
C4673 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Continuing Treatment – balance of supply.
Patient must have received insufficient tocilizumab therapy under the Continuing Treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 24 weeks treatment available under the above restriction.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures
C5976 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 1 (new patient or patient recommencing treatment after a break of more than 24 months)
Patient must have severe active rheumatoid arthritis; AND
Patient must have received no PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) for this condition in the previous 24 months; AND
Patient must not have failed previous PBS-subsidised treatment with tocilizumab for this condition, and have not already failed, or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised bDMARD treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, one of which must be methotrexate at a dose of at least 20 mg weekly and one of which must be: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if methotrexate is contraindicated according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 of the following DMARDs: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; and/or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; and/or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if 3 or more of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and sulfasalazine are contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at the doses specified above, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, with one or more of the following DMARDs being used in place of the DMARDS which are contraindicated or not tolerated: (i) azathioprine at a dose of at least 1 mg/kg per day; and/or (ii) cyclosporin at a dose of at least 2 mg/kg/day; and/or (iii) sodium aurothiomalate at a dose of 50 mg weekly; AND
Patient must not receive more than 16 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
For the purposes of this restriction bDMARD means abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab or tofacitinib.
If methotrexate is contraindicated according to the TGA-approved product information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose,the application must include details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity to methotrexate. The maximum tolerated dose of methotrexate must be documented in the application, if applicable.
The application must include details of the DMARDs trialled, their doses and duration of treatment, and all relevant contraindications and/or intolerances including severity.
The requirement to trial at least 2 DMARDs for periods of at least 3 months each can be met using single agents sequentially or by using one or more combinations of DMARDs.
If the requirement to trial 6 months of intensive DMARD therapy with at least 2 DMARDs cannot be met because of contraindications and/or intolerances of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal to all of the DMARDs specified above, details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity and dose for each DMARD must be provided in the authority application.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form; and
(3) a signed patient acknowledgement.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials of appropriate strength to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 8 mg per kg. A separate authority prescription form must be completed for each strength requested. Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with tocilizumab under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
The following criteria indicate failure to achieve an adequate response and must be demonstrated in all patients at the time of the initial application:
an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND either
(a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or
(b) at least 4 active joints from the following list of major joints:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
The joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be determined at the completion of the 6 month intensive DMARD trial, but prior to ceasing DMARD therapy. All measures must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
Where the baseline joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

(b)omit:

C5979 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Continuing treatment
Patient must have a documented history of severe active rheumatoid arthritis; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with tocilizumab; AND
Patient must have received tocilizumab as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) treatment; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment per continuing treatment course authorised under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
For the purposes of this restriction bDMARD means abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab or tofacitinib.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
At the time of authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials of appropriate strength to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 8 mg per kg. A separate authority prescription form must be completed for each strength requested. Up to a maximum of 5 repeats will be authorised.
All applications for continuing treatment with tocilizumab must include a measurement of response to the prior course of therapy. This assessment must be submitted no later than 4 weeks from the cessation of that treatment course. If the application is the first application for continuing treatment with tocilizumab, it must be accompanied by an assessment of response to a minimum of 12 weeks of treatment with an initial treatment course.
Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with tocilizumab.

If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with tocilizumab under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

(c)omit:

C6050 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 2 (change or re-commencement of treatment after break of less than 24 months).
Patient must have a documented history of severe active rheumatoid arthritis; AND
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) treatment for this condition and are eligible to receive further bDMARD therapy; AND
Patient must not receive more than 16 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
For the purposes of this restriction bDMARD means abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab or tofacitinib.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(a) completed authority prescription form(s); and
(b) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
At the time of authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials of appropriate strength to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 8 mg per kg. A separate authority prescription form must be completed for each strength requested. Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
Applications for a patient who has received PBS-subsidised treatment with tocilizumab and who wishes to re-commence therapy with this drug, must be accompanied by evidence of a response to the patient's most recent course of PBS-subsidised tocilizumab treatment, within the timeframes specified below.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised tocilizumab treatment was approved under either of the initial 1 or 2 treatment restrictions, the patient must have been assessed for response following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy. This assessment must be submitted no later than 4 weeks from the date that course was ceased.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised tocilizumab treatment was approved under the continuing treatment criteria, the patient must have been assessed for response, and the assessment must be submitted no later than 4 weeks from the date that course was ceased.
Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with tocilizumab.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to a treatment with tocilizumab under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
If a patient who has demonstrated a response to a course of rituximab must have a PBS-subsidised biological therapy treatment-free period of at least 22 weeks, immediately following the second infusion, before swapping to an alternate bDMARD.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth). 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

(d)insert in numerical order after existing text:

C8627 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Continuing Treatment - balance of supply.
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 24 weeks treatment available under the above restriction. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures
C8635 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 2 (change or re-commencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 24 months)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must not have failed to respond to previous PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; AND
Patient must not have already failed , or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
Patient must not receive more than 16 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
An application for a patient who has received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug and who wishes to re-commence therapy with this drug, must be accompanied by evidence of a response to the patient's most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug, within the timeframes specified below.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug was approved under either of the Initial 1, Initial 2, Initial 3, or continuing treatment restrictions, it is recommended that an assessment of a patient's responce is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials of appropriate strength to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 8 mg per kg. A separate authority prescription form must be completed for each strength requested.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
A patient who has demonstrated a response to a course of rituximab must have a PBS-subsidised biological therapy treatment-free period of at least 22 weeks, immediately following the second infusion, before swapping to an alternate biological medicine. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8636 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 3 (re-commencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 24 months)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have a break in treatment of 24 months or more from the most recent PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must not have failed to respond to previous PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; AND
Patient must not have already failed , or ceased to respond to, PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition 5 times; AND
The condition must have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour; OR
The condition must have a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND
The condition must have either (a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or (b) at least 4 active major joints; AND
Patient must not receive more than 16 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Major joints are defined as (i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or (ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
All measures of joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials of appropriate strength to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 8 mg per kg. A separate authority prescription form must be completed for each strength requested.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an assessment of a patient's response is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8637 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Continuing treatment
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received this drug as their most recent course of PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment for this condition; AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug; AND
Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment per continuing treatment course authorised under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
an ESR no greater than 25 mm per hour or a CRP level no greater than 15 mg per L or either marker reduced by at least 20% from baseline;
AND either of the following:
(a) a reduction in the total active (swollen and tender) joint count by at least 50% from baseline, where baseline is at least 20 active joints; or
(b) a reduction in the number of the following active joints, from at least 4, by at least 50%:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
Where the baseline active joint count is based on total active joints (i.e. more than 20 active joints), response will be determined according to the reduction in the total number of active joints. Where the baseline is determined on total number of major joints, the response must be demonstrated on the total number of major joints. If only an ESR or CRP level is provided with the initial application, the same marker will be used to determine response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials of appropriate strength to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 8 mg per kg. A separate authority prescription form must be completed for each strength requested.
Up to a maximum of 5 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
If a patient has either failed or ceased to respond to a PBS-subsidised biological medicine for this condition 5 times, they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures
C8638 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial 1 (new patient) or Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 24 months) or Initial 3 (recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 24 months) - balance of supply
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 1 (new patient) restriction to complete 16 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of less than 24 months) restriction to complete 16 weeks treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug for this condition under the Initial 3 (recommencement of treatment after a break in biological medicine of more than 24 months) to complete 16 weeks of treatment; AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 16 weeks treatment available under the above restrictions. 		Compliance with Authority Required procedures
C8709 Severe active rheumatoid arthritis
Initial treatment - Initial 1 (new patient)
Must be treated by a rheumatologist; OR
Must be treated by a clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patient must not have received PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for this condition; AND
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, one of which must be methotrexate at a dose of at least 20 mg weekly and one of which must be: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if methotrexate is contraindicated according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 of the following DMARDs: (i) hydroxychloroquine at a dose of at least 200 mg daily; and/or (ii) leflunomide at a dose of at least 10 mg daily; and/or (iii) sulfasalazine at a dose of at least 2 g daily; OR
Patient must have failed, in the 24 months immediately prior to the date of the application, to achieve an adequate response to a trial of at least 6 months of intensive treatment with DMARDs which, if 3 or more of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and sulfasalazine are contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information or cannot be tolerated at the doses specified above, must include at least 3 months continuous treatment with each of at least 2 DMARDs, with one or more of the following DMARDs being used in place of the DMARDS which are contraindicated or not tolerated: (i) azathioprine at a dose of at least 1 mg/kg per day; and/or (ii) cyclosporin at a dose of at least 2 mg/kg/day; and/or (iii) sodium aurothiomalate at a dose of 50 mg weekly; AND
Patient must not receive more than 16 weeks of treatment under this restriction.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
If methotrexate is contraindicated according to the TGA-approved product information or cannot be tolerated at a 20 mg weekly dose,the application must include details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity to methotrexate. The maximum tolerated dose of methotrexate must be documented in the application, if applicable.
The application must include details of the DMARDs trialled, their doses and duration of treatment, and all relevant contraindications and/or intolerances including severity.
The requirement to trial at least 2 DMARDs for periods of at least 3 months each can be met using single agents sequentially or by using one or more combinations of DMARDs.
If the requirement to trial 6 months of intensive DMARD therapy with at least 2 DMARDs cannot be met because of contraindications and/or intolerances of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal to all of the DMARDs specified above, details of the contraindication or intolerance including severity and dose for each DMARD must be provided in the authority application.
The following criteria indicate failure to achieve an adequate response and must be demonstrated in all patients at the time of the initial application:
an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; AND either
(a) a total active joint count of at least 20 active (swollen and tender) joints; or
(b) at least 4 active joints from the following list of major joints:
(i) elbow, wrist, knee and/or ankle (assessed as swollen and tender); and/or
(ii) shoulder and/or hip (assessed as pain in passive movement and restriction of passive movement, where pain and limitation of movement are due to active disease and not irreversible damage such as joint destruction or bony overgrowth).
The joint count and ESR and/or CRP must be determined at the completion of the 6 month intensive DMARD trial, but prior to ceasing DMARD therapy. All measures must be no more than one month old at the time of initial application.
If the above requirement to demonstrate an elevated ESR or CRP cannot be met, the application must state the reasons why this criterion cannot be satisfied.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials of appropriate strength to provide sufficient drug, based on the weight of the patient, for a single infusion at a dose of 8 mg per kg. A separate authority prescription form must be completed for each strength requested.
Up to a maximum of 3 repeats will be authorised.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1)a completed authority prescription form(s); and
(2) a completed Rheumatoid Arthritis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form.
It is recommended that an assessment of a patient's response is conducted following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy and no later than 4 weeks from the completion of the most recent course of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied with the assessment of response from the most recent course of biological medicine therapy following a minimum of 12 weeks in therapy. It is recommended that an application for the continuing treatment is submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of the most recent course of treatment. This is to ensure continuity of treatment for those who meet the continuing restriction for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition.
Where a response assessment is not provided within this timeframe, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug, unless the patient has experienced a serious adverse reaction of a severity resulting in the necessity for permanent withdrawal of treatment.
If a patient fails to demonstrate a response to treatment with this drug under this restriction they will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition. 		Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

  1. Schedule 3 Part 1—General statement for drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C

omit table following subparagraph 3(2) and substitute:

Item Kind of patient Regimen
1

Patient:

(a)     with Genotype 1; and

(b)     who is treatment naïve; and

(c)     who is non-cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     LEDIPASVIR with SOFOSBUVIR for 8 weeks; or

(b)     LEDIPASVIR with SOFOSBUVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR for 12 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(e)     GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(f)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(g)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 8 weeks.
2

Patient:

(a)     with Genotype 1; and

(b)    who is treatment experienced; and

(c)     who is non-cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     LEDIPASVIR with SOFOSBUVIR for 12 weeks; or

(b)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR for 24 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(e)     GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(f)     GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 16 weeks; or

(g)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(h)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 8 weeks; or

(i)      GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(j)      GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 16 weeks; or

(k)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR and VOXILAPREVIR for 12 weeks.
3

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 2; and

(b)    who is treatment naïve; and

(c)     who is non-cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 8 weeks.
4

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 2; and

(b)    who is treatment experienced; and

(c)     who is non-cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 8 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR and VOXILAPREVIR for 12 weeks.
5

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 3; and

(b)    who is treatment naïve; and

(c)     who is non-cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR for 12 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 24 weeks; or

(c)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(e)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 8 weeks.
6

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 3; and

(b)    who is treatment experienced; and

(c)     who is non-cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR for 12 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 24 weeks; or

(c)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(e)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 16 weeks; or

(f)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR and VOXILAPREVIR for 12 weeks.
7

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 4; and

(b)    who is treatment naïve; and

(c)     who is non-cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)     GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(d)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 8 weeks.
8

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 4; and

(b)    who is treatment experienced; and

(c)     who is non-cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)     GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 16 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(e)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 8 weeks; or

(f)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR and VOXILAPREVIR for 12 weeks.
9

Patient:

(a)    with:

(i)      Genotype 5; or

(ii)     Genotype 6; and

(b)    who is treatment naïve; and

(c)     who is non-cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 8 weeks.
10

Patient:

(a)    with:

(i)      Genotype 5; or

(ii)     Genotype 6; and

(b)    who is treatment experienced; and

(c)     who is non-cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 8 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR and VOXILAPREVIR for 12 weeks.
11

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 1; and

(b)    who is treatment naïve; and

(c)     who is cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     LEDIPASVIR with SOFOSBUVIR for 12 weeks; or

(b)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(c)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR for 24 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(e)     GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(f)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(g)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 12 weeks.
12

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 1; and

(b)    who is treatment experienced; and

(c)     who is cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     LEDIPASVIR with SOFOSBUVIR for 24 weeks; or

(b)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR for 24 weeks; or

(c)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(e)     GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(f)     GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 16 weeks; or

(g)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(h)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(i)      GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 16 weeks; or

(j)      SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR and VOXILAPREVIR for 12 weeks.
13

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 2; and

(b)    who is treatment naïve; and

(c)     who is cirrhotic

Either:

(a)    SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 12 weeks.
14

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 2; and

(b)    who is treatment experienced; and

(c)     who is cirrhotic

Either:

(a)    SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR and VOXILAPREVIR for 12 weeks.
15

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 3; and

(b)    who is treatment naïve; and

(c)     who is cirrhotic

Either:

(a)    SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 24 weeks; or

(b)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR for 24 weeks; or

(c)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(d)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(e)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 24 weeks; or

(f)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(g)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 12 weeks.
16

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 3; and

(b)    who is treatment experienced; and

(c)     who is cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR for 24 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 24 weeks; or

(c)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(d)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(e)     DACLATASVIR and SOFOSBUVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 24 weeks; or

(f)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(g)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 16 weeks; or

(h)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR and VOXILAPREVIR for 12 weeks.
17

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 4; and

(b)    who is treatment naïve; and

(c)     who is cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)    GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(d)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 12 weeks.
18

Patient:

(a)    with Genotype 4; and

(b)    who is treatment experienced; and

(c)     who is cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)    GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     GRAZOPREVIR with ELBASVIR and RIBAVIRIN for 16 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(e)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(f)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR and VOXILAPREVIR for 12 weeks.
19

Patient:

(a)    with:

(i)      Genotype 5; or

(ii)     Genotype 6; and

(b)    who is treatment naïve; and

(c)     who is cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 12 weeks.
20

Patient:

(a)    with:

(i)      Genotype 5; or

(ii)     Genotype 6; and

(b)    who is treatment experienced; and

(c)     who is cirrhotic

Either:

(a)     SOFOSBUVIR and PEGINTERFERON ALFA-2A and RIBAVIRIN for 12 weeks; or

(b)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(c)     GLECAPREVIR with PIBRENTASVIR for 12 weeks; or

(d)     SOFOSBUVIR with VELPATASVIR and VOXILAPREVIR for 12 weeks.
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