Please note: You’ll get an immediate assessment when you request PBS authorities online.
Patient eligibility
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with tocilizumab under the National Health Act 1953, section 85 for patients aged 50 years or older with active giant cell arteritis (GCA).
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 tocilizumab.
Treatment specifics
To be eligible for PBS-subsidised treatment with tocilizumab, patients must be treated by a rheumatologist, clinical immunologist or neurologist experienced in the management of active GCA.
A patient may only qualify for PBS-subsidised treatment with tocilizumab for active GCA once in a lifetime. The treatment mustn’t exceed 52 weeks in total including initial and continuing applications.
Authority applications
Applying for initial treatment
Applications for initial authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised tocilizumab to treat active GCA 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
- giant cell arteritis - tocilizumab - initial authority application form
- relevant attachments.
Applying for continuing treatment
Applications for continuing authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised tocilizumab to treat active GCA can be made either:
- in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- by calling the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line.
More information
Call the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line for more information.