ZOFRAN - Is it on the PBS OR NOT??

[joozi]

Hi there
I've read in various places in this forum that Zofran is not on the PBS and then some peope who've said that it is?

The only thing that worked for me in my last pregnancy was zofran, but could only get it after being admitted to hospital for IV rehydration, and buying it myself was too expensive. I've read a lot of studies were they say MS sufferers should try and use Zofran pre-emptively, BEFORE the MS starts, so as it doesn't settle in and get as bad as it has in the past.

Does anyone know if it is on the PBS or not, what it costs, and whether it varies from state to state? I've just found out I'm pregnant, only about 6 weeks, would like to start on Zofran before it gets too bad if it's not too expensive.

:bfp: Due 20th April 2008

[Aquamarine]

i don't think so but it should be :yes:

[doubleeangels]

its not :thumbsdown: once you reach your threeshold though you get it at the cheaper rate. I paid full price through the chemist thenthe midwife at my local hospital got the ob to write a script for the hospital pharmacy - so much cheaper! best of luck. I lived through it twice :barf:

[Rell]

Its only on the PBS for people undergoing chemo and not for morning sickness :thumbsdown:

[CharlisMummy]

its not :thumbsdown: once you reach your threeshold though you get it at the cheaper rate. I paid full price through the chemist thenthe midwife at my local hospital got the ob to write a script for the hospital pharmacy - so much cheaper! best of luck. I lived through it twice :barf:
I was the same. I wish they had told me sooner about getting it from the hospital!! I couldn't believe the difference in price :eek:

I'm still not sure if I can handle going through it again:no:

I want another bubba though!

[Kadwil]

No it is not on the PBS for morning sickness, although I took the reciepts to my private health insurer and they gave me some money back.

Great idea about starting the zofran before the ms starts, I might do that!

[lilacupcakes]

2 different pharmacists told me it IS covered by PBS but only when prescribed in a quantity of 4.. I get 4 wafers for $5.80.

[MsMummy]

I had boxes of 4 x 8mg, and they were between $33 and $44 per box, depending on chemist, and not covered by pbs.

[Nowhere]

cancer pateitns and nausea of chronic disease yes pregnancy morning sicknes no, we get 5 bottles a month for 5 dollars of the liquid DD is in intestinal failure

[RmumR]

Not for MS its not.

[Magic81]

I believe it to be a common pharmacist mistake. It is not covered by the PBS for MS induced nausea. The govt only covers some indications. If the pharmacist doesn't know and doesn't check they may claim it on the PBS in error.

[lilacupcakes]

2 separate pharmacists told me it is only on the PBS for MS if in a quantity of 4?

[Livvey]

It's only covered by the PBS for certain conditions, morning sickness isn't considered under these conditions. When i was using it, whether i was prescribed 4 or 8, it was not covered, and that was for morning sickness. The cost hurt, but i needed it to get through the sickness so would have paid it anyway. If you have health insurance, save your receipts, your insurer may cover some of the cost.

[SeymourTheBear]

Not to mention some GPs will fudge about the reason. Not saying that's the right thing, but I have known some to do that for patients who were really suffering.

[Tutu & Lulu]

this is what i know. it is covered by PBS but once you need a repeat then the dr has to get permission to prescribe it because it becomes a private script and they can't just give them out willy nilly.

so it means that you can get 4 tablets and then have to go back to your dr all the time to get another script and there is probably a maximum amount you can get through them.

I feel your pain i needed zofran for both pregnancies and it cost so much

[bumMum]

It isn't covered. I couldn't afford it in my last pregnancy at all. Because I was so sick I couldn't work, we were behind in all our bills etc so there was just no way to pay for it. I survived without it though.

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[crazyaboutbubs]

I'm living off zofran now. It's not covered by the PBS unless you are going through chemo. It cost me $5 for a 4mg wafer from chemist warehouse. I'm on 1-2 daily. It's expensive but worth it IMO. I did get given a 10 pack by someone working in a hospital once tho.. for free. I'm still terrified they'll get in trouble if ever caught.

[CJWA]

I had my OB at King Eddies subscribe my last lot through the hospital. Difference of $5/tablet down to only 50c a tablet AND I got 60 in one go!!!! I was paying the $50 a week before I knew about this because I couldn't function without it, but OMG I was happy when I could get it so cheep!!

[geobabe]

I just got 10 x 8mg wafers for $74 at chemist warehouse. My ob told me to break them in half i.e. take 4mg at a time. I think its disgusting that its so expensive. Not right at all that some people should have to suffer because they can't afford it :(

[angelis13]

It is not due to its uses for chemo and preg related nausea HOWEVER your doc can call them in canberra to get a special note put on your Rx to get it at PBS price mine did thT but could only let me get 4 tabs

[angelis13]

The reason they are so expensive is because of the way They work the actually shut down the part of your brain that tells you your nauseous and want to vomit they aren't cheap and I've had well over a good hundred in the past 3 yrs yes they are expensive but they are the best to have they also come in wafer form to dissolve on your tongue if u can't swallow which I've had I was on 8 mg for chemo and 4 for preg