Osteoporosis & letrozole (Femara)
Hi there, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer July 2017. I have had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy & radiotherapy. I was given the all clear from breast cancer on 10th Aug 2018..... my 62nd bi...
Forum Discussion
@kmakm re the quote I provided.
PBS ( Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme) provides some medications at concessional rates provided criteria are met.eg 6 monthly Prolia injections for osteoporosis cost either $38 ( PBS price) or $275 ( non PBS price) . Using this example , to qualify for the PBS price you must be diagnosed as having osteoporosis AND either be over 70 or have had an osteoporotic fracture.
The quote from the College of GPs suggests PBS criteria needs modification in the light of international guidelines regarding the treatment of patients on Aromatase Inhibitors who have developed osteoporosis.
There are no implications for you if your bone density is fine. However should your bone density become osteoporotic having a chat to your onc won’t alter the COST of bone building medication as that is governed by PBS criteria but the selection of type of medication is a matter of mutual decision.
Sorry to have confused the issue - just pleased to see guidelines from the medical profession acknowledging the impact of AIs on bones and suggesting that change needs to be made in pricing medication for treatment of those whose bone density has been damaged.
PBS ( Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme) provides some medications at concessional rates provided criteria are met.eg 6 monthly Prolia injections for osteoporosis cost either $38 ( PBS price) or $275 ( non PBS price) . Using this example , to qualify for the PBS price you must be diagnosed as having osteoporosis AND either be over 70 or have had an osteoporotic fracture.
The quote from the College of GPs suggests PBS criteria needs modification in the light of international guidelines regarding the treatment of patients on Aromatase Inhibitors who have developed osteoporosis.
There are no implications for you if your bone density is fine. However should your bone density become osteoporotic having a chat to your onc won’t alter the COST of bone building medication as that is governed by PBS criteria but the selection of type of medication is a matter of mutual decision.
Sorry to have confused the issue - just pleased to see guidelines from the medical profession acknowledging the impact of AIs on bones and suggesting that change needs to be made in pricing medication for treatment of those whose bone density has been damaged.