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

Mild to moderately severe Alzheimer disease

Continuing

Patient must have received six months of sole PBS-subsidised initial therapy with this drug; AND

Patient must demonstrate a clinically meaningful response to the initial treatment; AND

The treatment must be the sole PBS-subsidised therapy for this condition.

Prior to continuing treatment, a comprehensive assessment must be undertaken and documented, involving the patient, the patient's family or carer and the treating physician to establish agreement that treatment is continuing to produce worthwhile benefit.

Treatment should cease if there is no agreement of benefit as there is always the possibility of harm from unnecessary use.

Re-assessments for a clinically meaningful response are to be undertaken and documented every six months.

Clinically meaningful response to treatment is demonstrated in the following areas:

Patient's quality of life including but not limited to level of independence and happiness;

Patient's cognitive function including but not limited to memory, recognition and interest in environment;

Patient's behavioural symptoms, including but not limited to hallucination, delusions, anxiety, marked agitation or associated aggressive behaviour.