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

Severe chronic plaque psoriasis

Patient must not have achieved adequate response after at least 6 weeks of treatment with methotrexate prior to initiating treatment with this drug; or

Patient must have a contraindication to methotrexate according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved Product Information; or

Patient must have demonstrated severe intolerance of, or toxicity due to, methotrexate; AND

The condition must have caused significant interference with quality of life; AND

Patient must not be undergoing concurrent PBS-subsidised treatment for psoriasis with each of: (i) a biological medicine, (ii) ciclosporin, (iii) deucravacitinib; AND

Must be treated by a medical practitioner who is either: (i) a dermatologist, (ii) a rheumatologist, (iii) general physician; or

Must be treated by a medical practitioner in consultation with one of the above specialist types who is either an accredited: (i) dermatology registrar, (ii) rheumatology registrar; or

Must be treated by a prescriber who is not any of the above, but where there is agreement to continue treatment (not initiate treatment) with one of the above practitioner types; AND

Patient must be at least 18 years of age.

For patients who do not demonstrate an adequate response to apremilast, a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) assessment must be completed, preferably while on treatment, but no longer than 4 weeks following the cessation of treatment. This assessment will be required for patients who transition to 'biological medicines' for the treatment of 'severe chronic plaque psoriasis'.

This assessment must be documented in the patient's medical records.