PBS updates

Pegasys (Peginterferon alfa-2a)

peginterferon alfa-2a 180 microgram/0.5 mL injection, 4 x 0.5 mL syringes · INJECTION · PBS code 6449K

STREAMLINED

What it costs

AU$959.63 PBS-determined price per 8 units

Most patients pay only the standard PBS co-payment, not the full price above — up to AU$25.00 per script (general) or AU$7.70 (concession/Safety Net) in 2026. The figure above is what the PBS pays the pharmacy; the Australian Government subsidises the rest. Always confirm the current amount with your pharmacist.

  • • First listed on the PBS: 2004-12-01.
  • • Repeats: 5.
  • • PBS program: HS.
Eligibility criteria for subsidised access

The following is the government's own wording from the PBS Schedule, shown unchanged.

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

Chronic hepatitis C infection


Must be treated in an accredited treatment centre; AND

Patient must be at least 18 years of age; AND

Patient must not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and must be using an effective form of contraception if female and of child-bearing age; AND

Patient must have compensated liver disease; AND

Patient must not have received prior interferon alfa or peginterferon alfa treatment for hepatitis C; AND

Patient must have a contraindication to ribavirin; AND

The treatment must cease unless the results of an HCV RNA quantitative assay at week 12 (performed at the same laboratory using the same test) show that plasma HCV RNA has become undetectable or the viral load has decreased by at least a 2 log drop; AND

The treatment must be limited to a maximum duration of 48 weeks.

Evidence of chronic hepatitis C infection (repeatedly anti-HCV positive and HCV RNA positive) must be documented in the patient's medical records.

Sponsor: Echo Therapeutics Pty Ltd ABN 92 628 298 699

Not medical advice. Voxsanity republishes public PBS data in plain English. PBS listing status and criteria can change; always confirm current subsidised availability with your doctor or pharmacist.

Source: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), © Commonwealth of Australia. Data used and redistributed under permission; not modified from its original wording where displayed verbatim.