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

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)

Continuing treatment

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

Patient must have an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of no higher than 7; AND

Patient must not have experienced a relapse while receiving treatment with this drug for this condition; AND

Patient must not receive more than 24 weeks of treatment per continuing treatment course authorised under this restriction; AND

Must be treated by a neurologist; or

Must be treated by a medical practitioner who has consulted a neurologist, with agreement reached that the patient should be treated with this pharmaceutical benefit on this occasion.

At the time of authority application, medical practitioners must request the appropriate number of vials to provide sufficient drug for 8 weeks of treatment and up to 2 repeats, according to the specified dosage in the approved Product Information (PI). With 2 repeat prescriptions, this treatment phase listing intends to provide approximately 24 weeks of treatment.

Applications for treatment with this drug where the dose and dosing frequency exceeds that specified in the approved PI will not be approved.

An appropriate amount of drug (maximum quantity in units) may require prescribing both strengths. Consider strengths and combinations that minimise drug wastage. A separate authority prescription form must be completed for each strength requested.

This drug is not PBS-subsidised if it is prescribed to an in-patient in a public hospital setting.