💊 Update: Changes to Ribociclib (Kisqali) Storage & Packaging
We wanted to share an important update for anyone currently taking ribociclib (Kisqali), a targeted therapy used for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer (early or advanced), often alongside hormone therapy. 🔄What’s changed? From early May, ribociclib tablets no longer need to be stored in the fridge. They can now be kept at room temperature (below 30°C). 📦During the transition period Some packs will still have the old refrigeration instructions Others will reflect the new room temperature guidance You may notice changes to packaging, including: A longer expiry date (up to 24 months) Different blister pack sizes A new layout showing how many tablets to take each day 💡Why the change? The medication itself has not changed. Updates to manufacturing and packaging now allow the tablets to be stored safely at room temperature. Because of this transition, both “old” (refrigerated) and “new” packs will be in circulation for a while. ✅What do you need to do? Always follow the storage instructions on your specific pack If your pack says to refrigerate, continue to do so until it’s finished Don’t be concerned if packaging looks different, the medicine remains the same Speak to your healthcare team if you have any questions or concerns For more information check out the following resources 👉Early breast cancer 👉Metastatic breast cancer As always, we’re here to support you. If you’ve noticed these changes or want to share your experience, please call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 Monday-Friday 9am-5pmBCNA welcomes pharmacy prescription changes for breast cancer medications
Six key breast cancer drugs are now more affordable thanks to 60-day prescribing. BCNA is pleased to confirm that six common types of hormone blocking therapies such as letrozole, anastrozole and tamoxifen, amongst others, are now able to be prescribed 60-days at a time, saving consumers time and money. “It is especially important that we work to reduce the cost of hormone blocking therapies for breast cancer as some are required for ten years or more after active treatment finishes,” said BCNA Director Policy, Advocacy & Support Services Vicki Durston. “Reducing the ongoing cost of these drugs will start to address financial toxicity and improve equity, especially for those in lower socioeconomic groups who already experience disparities in access to breast cancer care.” BCNA advocated strongly in support of 60-day prescribing last year, alongside other groups such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Read more via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/bcna-welcomes-pharmacy-prescription-changes-for-breast-cancer-medications/ and also refer to the Department of Health and Aged Care information sheet https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-03/savings-with-60-day-prescriptions_0.pdf
Beta Blockers may have additional benefit
I’ll try and find more on this but from this morning’s news: Australian researchers have made a major medical breakthrough that could extend the lives of people battling breast cancer. Scientists at Monash University have found that everyday anti-stress drugs, called beta blockers, could slow the spread of the deadly disease in the body
Endone
Is anyone taking Endone (for pain) and what side effects are you experiencing? My Oncologist prescribed me Endone for shoulder blade pain. I didn’t take it because a friend who had hip surgery had hallucinations when she was on it. As it so happened, the pain went away when I had T11 tumour ‘radiated’. That was last July. Now I have pain in my ribs so I got a ‘script from my GP yesterday for Panadeine Forte in case it’s a just a pulled muscle. But if it isn’t and PF doesn’t work (it did when I pulled a muscle last time), I’d like to know what to expect if Oncologist suggests Endone when I see her in two weeks. Naturally if PF kicks in before then I won’t need it.
Newbie with pain
Hi, Would appreciate advice on coping with pain continually getting worsening. Diagnosed in Feb this year with small mets in thoracic and lumbar verebrae and since then 1 dose of palliative radiotherapy and monthly denosumab. My concern is how quickly my oral targin and fentanyl patch have had to be increased to cover my pain. Is this normal? Do I have to let go of the fact that you are weak if you need lots of meds and accept it is what it is? Thanks , Lesley
Free pharmacy home delivery during Covid 19 restrictions
For vulnerable members of the community, Australia Post can now deliver your PBS prescription medications and essential supplies free of charge to you and the pharmacy. Might help those of us who are self isolating as much as possible. Can use the service once a month.
Tamoxifen supply trouble
Howdy all, Well who woulda thought I would be complaining about not being able to get this drug. LOl Ok, well not the drug itself but the Novladex D brand. As it is the only brand that does not make me want to jump off the nearest bridge I'd be loathe to change...actually I just wouldn't, I've tried the others and they all stink for me. Not sure what the status is in the rest of the country but Brisbane and Ipswich seem to be pretty short on supply with back orders not expected until June/July. I spent yesterday morning on the phone ringing around after my 4 local pharmacies could not supply. About 20 phone calls later I tracked some down about 30k's away and they were nice enough to dispense one of the repeats as well. They wouldn't allow three lots at once though :neutral: So if this is your brand you may want to check out the availabilty sooner than later. xoxoxoxxo
Med shortage thread
Given the current climate I thought we should start a thread so people can post if they are having difficulty getting any BC specific meds and their location to help others trying to track them down. Had a 6 month appt with my onc on tues and neither onc nor CNC said Zoladex or Femara were currently an issue and they feel both are common enough that Oz will have a good supply. For reference Femara is made in Switzerland and Zoladex in UK. I am on Gold Coast and filled a repeat last week with no indication of supply chain issues.
