Buruli ulcer: flesh eating disease treatment added to PBS

Treatment for a severe flesh eating ulcer will be made cheaper and more accessible following a federal government investment.

Treatment for a severe flesh eating ulcer will be made cheaper and more accessible following a federal government investment.

From December 1, Australians living with the Buruli ulcer will have greater access to the drug Rimycin (rifampicin), after it was expanded by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

RELATED: WHAT IT’S TO GET BURULI ULCER

The antibiotic is used in combination with other medicines to fight off the infection that causes the ulcer, which can lead to permanent damage if left untreated.

The ulcer — also called the Bairnsdale ulcer — is known for it’s ability to cut through skin and leave raw and exposed flesh wounds.

A treatment for Buruli ulcer, aka Bairnsdale ulcer, has been added to the PBS. Picture: Norm Oorloff

The boosted listing, which will be announced by Health Minister Greg Hunt on Monday, will help about 425 patients a year who would otherwise have to fork out $140 for the treatment.

Pharmacist George Tambassis, who is also president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, praised the decision.

He said the cost would now be as little as $6.60 for pension and concession card holders and no more than $40 for the everyday Australian.

“This is the sort of stuff that makes it easier for people to afford treatment for what’s basically a life threatening disease,” Mr Tambassis said.

There has been a spike in cases in recent years, with people from across Victoria’s coastal regions — including East Gippsland, Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula and the Bellarine Peninsula — and Far North Queensland diagnosed.

In Greater Geelong, there have already been 25 cases recorded this year.

The PBS listing came about after a recommendation by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

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Originally published as Buruli ulcer: flesh eating disease treatment added to PBS