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Please note: You’ll get an immediate assessment when you request PBS authorities online.
Patient eligibility
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with imatinib, ripretinib and sunitinib under the National Health Act 1953, section 85 for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST).
Patients must be eligible for the PBS and meet the relevant restriction criteria.
The Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits on the PBS website outlines the restrictions for prescribing imatinib, ripretinib and sunitinib.
Authority applications
Applying for initial treatment
Applications for initial authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised imatinib to treat resected primary GIST and high risk of recurrence, or imatinib and ripretinib to treat metastatic or unresectable malignant GIST can be made either:
- in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- by calling the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line.
Applications for initial authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised sunitinib to treat metastatic or unresectable malignant GIST can be made either in:
- real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- writing and use HPOS Form upload
- writing and mail to PBS Complex Drugs Programs.
All written applications must include the completed:
- authority prescription form or forms
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumour - sunitinib - initial authority application form
- relevant attachments.
Applying for continuing treatment
Applications for continuing authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised ripretinib to treat metastatic or unresectable malignant GIST can be made either:
- in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- by calling the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line.
Continuing PBS-subsidised treatment with imatinib to treat resected primary GIST with high risk of recurrence, or imatinib and sunitinib to treat metastatic or unresectable malignant GIST is Authority Required (Streamlined). You don’t need prior authority approval from us for the listed quantities and repeats.
More information
Call the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line for more information.