The Federal government’s decision to include nicotine patches in the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme (PBS) has been welcomed by the Queensland Cancer Council.
The move means the cost of patches will drop dramatically from between $100 to $140 to about $5.40 to $33.30 for a four-week course.
Cancer Council Queensland Bundaberg community services co-ordinator Bonnie Dale said the move would help well over 15,000 Queenslanders give up the nicotine and dramatically reduce the risk of tobacco-related cancers.
Ms Dale said it was important several steps were taken to help encourage people to quit smoking and therefore reduce the incidence of cancer.
“Adding nicotine patches to the PBS is just one of those ways,” she said.
This site is intended for Registered Medical Practitioners.
To make the most of Oncology Update, you need to be logged in.