Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits (NHL) - Schedule 4 part 1

Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

Initial treatment

The condition must be diagnosed by a neurologist; AND

The condition must be diagnosed as clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and/or spinal cord; or

The condition must be diagnosed as clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, with written certification provided by a radiologist that a magnetic resonance imaging scan is contraindicated because of the risk of physical (not psychological) injury to the patient; AND

The treatment must be the sole PBS-subsidised disease modifying therapy for this condition; AND

Patient must have experienced at least 2 documented attacks of neurological dysfunction, believed to be due to multiple sclerosis, in the preceding 2 years of commencing a PBS-subsidised disease modifying therapy for this condition; AND

Patient must be ambulatory (without assistance or support); AND

Must be treated by a medical practitioner; or

Must be treated by a nurse practitioner in consultation with a specialist physician.

Where applicable, the date of the magnetic resonance imaging scan must be recorded in the patient's medical records.

The prescriber should write authority prescriptions for the appropriate combination of packs (1, 4 or 6 tablets) to provide sufficient drug for a treatment week based on the weight of the patient in accordance with the TGA approved Product Information. Separate authority prescriptions may be required where the dose for treatment week 5 is different to the dose for treatment week 1.

Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits (NHL) - Schedule 4 part 1

Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

Continuing treatment

The condition must be diagnosed as clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and/or spinal cord; AND

The treatment must be the sole PBS-subsidised disease modifying therapy for this condition; AND

Patient must have previously received PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; AND

Patient must not show continuing progression of disability while on treatment with this drug; AND

Patient must have demonstrated compliance with, and an ability to tolerate, this therapy; AND

Must be treated by a medical practitioner; or

Must be treated by a nurse practitioner in consultation with a specialist physician.

The prescriber should request authority approval for the appropriate combination of packs (1, 4 or 6 tablets) to provide sufficient drug for a treatment week based on the weight of the patient in accordance with the TGA approved Product Information. Separate authority prescriptions may be required where the dose for treatment week 5 is different to the dose for treatment week 1.