PBS excludes eczema drug for under-12s, families pay $20,000 yearly
Dupilumab transforms severe eczema in young children but costs families $20,000 yearly because PBS only covers those over 12.
Three million Australians have eczema, with one in three children under six affected. For some, it's mild.
For others, it causes constant scratching, bleeding skin, and school delays. Dupilumab (Dupixent) works powerfully.
A child scratching day and night becomes happy and able to live normally. The drug is covered by PBS only for severe cases over 12.
Families with younger kids facing the same severity pay about $20,000 a year out of pocket. Dermatologists have now joined a push to expand access.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Committee recommended opening it to under-12s four years ago. But the decision was rejected.
A hospital stay can trigger coverage. But waiting until that point leaves families facing an enormous cost while their child suffers.
- $20,000
- Annual cost for families
- 3 million
- Australians with eczema
- 1 in 3
- Children under 6 affected
- About 20,000
- Current PBS beneficiaries
Why it mattersFamilies with severely affected young children cannot afford the drug. It could free them from daily pain. But without a major emergency, they have no way to access it.
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