Diabetes WA welcomes the announcement by the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, that people living with type 2 diabetes across Australia will now have better access to affordable essential medicines.
Diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia and one of the ten leading causes of death, with about 125 new cases of type 2 diabetes diagnosed every day. People living with diabetes are at increased risk of heart disease, which can be difficult to manage.
The PBS listings for dapagliflozin (Forxiga®) and dapagliflozin with metformin (Xigduo®) have been expanded to allow earlier access to these treatments for people with type 2 diabetes who have cardiovascular disease or are at high risk of developing it. A dapagliflozin and metformin combination is used to lower the risk of serious cardiac complications and hospitalisations for heart failure in patients with chronic kidney disease
At Diabetes WA, we see first hand how important affordable medications are in helping West Australians live well with diabetes, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis. Melanie Gates, Diabetes WA CEO, says the announcement will make a real difference for many West Australians affected by type 2.
“Many West Australians are having to make the impossible choice between taking care of their families now and investing in their future health,” Ms Gates.
“We will continue to advocate for increased and equitable access to vital diabetes medications and technologies, so that West Australians don’t have to make that choice. This announcement is an important step in the right direction.”
