Tens of thousands of Australians living with chronic kidney disease will soon have access to more cheaper medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Empagliflozin (Jardiance®) will be expanded for the treatment of chronic kidney disease, a long-term health condition where kidney function gradually declines. Without treatment, it can progress to end-stage kidney disease, requiring dialysis or transplant.
Jardiance helps protect the kidneys by lowering pressure in the filtering units and reducing protein loss in urine. This slows damage over time and helps preserve kidney function for longer.
Over 65,000 patients are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without the PBS subsidy, they may pay more than $670 for a year of treatment.
PBS listing means eligible patients will pay a maximum of $31.60 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card. From 1 January 2026, under the government's policy they will pay a maximum of just $25 per script.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Albanese Government is making medicines cheaper and helping people with chronic kidney disease maintain their quality of life.
"This listing means tens of thousands of Australians can avoid the burden of dialysis.
"Instead of spending hours each week hooked up to a dialysis machine, patients will now have access to affordable, life-changing treatment."
