PB 72 of 2015
National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2015 (No. 8)
 
National Health Act 1953
___________________________________________________________________________
 
I, JULIANNE QUAINE, Assistant Secretary, Pharmaceutical Access Branch, Pharmaceutical Benefits Division, Department of Health, delegate of the Minister for Health, make this Amendment Instrument under subsections 100(1) and 100(2) of the National Health Act 1953.
Dated  30 July 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JULIANNE QUAINE
Assistant Secretary
Pharmaceutical Access Branch
Pharmaceutical Benefits Division
Department of Health
___________________________________________________________________________
 
 
1       Name of Instrument
 
(1)                This Instrument is the National Health (Highly specialised drugs program) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2015 (No.8).
 
(2)                This Instrument may also be cited as PB 72 of 2015.
 
2              Commencement
This Instrument commences on 1 August 2015.
3              Amendment
Schedule 1 amends the National Health (Highly specialised drugs program for hospitals) Special Arrangement 2010 (PB 116 of 2010).
 
 
[1]           Schedule 1, Part 1, Division 1, Section 4, definition for CAR drug
substitute:
          CAR drug (Complex Authority Required drug) means any of the following highly specialised drugs:
a)      abatacept
b)      adalimumab
c)      ambrisentan
d)      azacitidine
e)      bosentan
f)       eculizumab
g)      eltrombopag
h)      epoprostenol
i)        etanercept
j)        iloprost
k)      infliximab
l)        ivacaftor
m)    lenalidomide
n)      macitentan
o)      omalizumab
p)      pomalidomide
q)      rituximab
r)       romiplostim
s)       sildenafil
t)        tadalafil
u)      tocilizumab
v)      vedolizumab
[2]           Schedule 1, omit entry for Cinacalcet
[3]           Schedule 1, entry for Darunavir in each of the forms Tablet 150 mg (as ethanolate) and 600 mg (as ethanolate)
omit from the column headed “Circumstances” C4313 insert C5094
[4]           Schedule 1, entry for Desferrioxamine in the form Powder for injection containing desferrioxamine mesylate 2 g
substitute:
Powder for injection containing desferrioxamine mesylate 2 g
Injection
Hospira Pty Limited
HH
EMP

C1085 C3340
 
60
5
D
[5]           Schedule 1, entry for Infliximab in the form Powder for I.V. infusion 100 mg [Maximum Quantity: 1; Number of repeats: 0]
omit from the column headed “Circumstances” C2996 C2999 C3002 C3004 C3005 C3008 C3585 C3805 C3806 C3807 C3808 C3809 C3810 C4714 C4715 C4716 C4762
insert in numerical order in the column headed “Circumstances” C5077 C5078 C5079 C5084 C5093 C5097 C5103 C5109 C5110 C5111 C5112 C5118 C5120
[6]           Schedule 1, after entry for Plerixafor
insert
Pomalidomide
Capsule 3 mg
Oral
Pomalyst
CJ
EMP
C5101 C5102
 
21
0
D

 
Capsule 4 mg
Oral
Pomalyst
CJ
EMP
C5101 C5102
 
21
0
D

[7]           Schedule 1, entry for Valaciclovir in the form Tablet 500 mg (as hydrochloride)
omit from the column headed “Responsible Person” UA and substitute FM
[8]           Schedule 1, after entry for Valganciclovir
insert
Vedolizumab
Powder for injection 300 mg
Injection
Entyvio
TK
EMP
C5072 C5073 C5085 C5096 C5099 C5104 C5107 C5121 C5124 C5127
 
1
0
D
[9]           Schedule 2, after entry for EA
insert
FM
Fawns and McAllan Proprietary Limited
16 004 296 066
[10]         Schedule 3, omit entry for Cinacalcet
[11]         Schedule 3, entry for Darunavir
substitute
Darunavir
C4313
P4313
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
The treatment must be in addition to optimised background therapy, AND
The treatment must be in combination with other antiretroviral agents, AND
The treatment must be co-administered with 100 mg ritonavir, AND
Patient must have experienced virological failure or clinical failure or genotypic resistance after at least one antiretroviral regimen, AND
Patient must not have demonstrated darunavir resistance associated mutations detected on resistance testing.
Virological failure is defined as a viral load greater than 400 copies per mL on two consecutive occasions, while clinical failure is linked to emerging signs and symptoms of progressing HIV infection or treatment-limiting toxicity.
Compliance with Written and Telephone Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 4313

 
C5094
P5094
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
The treatment must be in addition to optimised background therapy, AND
The treatment must be in combination with other antiretroviral agents, AND
The treatment must be co-administered with 100 mg ritonavir twice daily, AND
Patient must have experienced virological failure or clinical failure or genotypic resistance after at least one antiretroviral regimen.
Virological failure is defined as a viral load greater than 400 copies per mL on two consecutive occasions, while clinical failure is linked to emerging signs and symptoms of progressing HIV infection or treatment-limiting toxicity.

Compliance with Written and Telephone Authority Required procedures - Streamlined Authority Code 5094

[12]         Schedule 3, entry for Didanosine in the second instance
substitute
Dolutegravir
C4454 
 
HIV infection
Continuing treatment
Patient must have previously received PBS‑subsidised therapy for HIV infection; AND
The treatment must be in combination with other antiretroviral agents

Compliance with Written or Telephone Authority Required procedures ‑ Streamlined Authority Code 4454

 
C4512
 
HIV infection
Initial treatment
Patient must be antiretroviral treatment naïve; AND
The treatment must be in combination with other antiretroviral agents

Compliance with Written or Telephone Authority Required procedures ‑ Streamlined Authority Code 4512

[13]         Schedule 3, entry for Infliximab
a)       omit
 
C2996
P2996
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — initial treatment 1
(adult patient assessed by CDAI)
Initial treatment commencing a treatment cycle, by a gastroenterologist, a consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology or a consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology, of a patient with severe refractory Crohn disease who satisfies the following criteria:
(a) has confirmed Crohn disease, defined by standard clinical, endoscopic and/or imaging features, including histological evidence, with the diagnosis confirmed by a gastroenterologist or a consultant physician as specified above; and
(b) has not received any prior PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease, or, where the patient has previously received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for this condition, has received no such treatment for a period of 5 years or more starting from the date the last application for PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for this condition was approved; and
(c) has signed a patient acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that PBS‑subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS‑subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment; and
(d) has failed to achieve an adequate response to prior systemic therapy including:
(i) a tapered course of steroids, starting at a dose of at least 40 mg prednisolone (or equivalent), over a 6 week period; and
(ii) immunosuppressive therapy including:
— azathioprine at a dose of at least 2 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months; or
— 6‑mercaptopurine at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months; or
— methotrexate at a dose of at least 15 mg weekly for 3 or more months; and
where a treatment cycle is a period of treatment which commences when an eligible patient (one who has not received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease in at least the previous 5 years) receives an initial course of PBS‑subsidised therapy with adalimumab or infliximab, and which continues until the patient has tried, and either failed or ceased to respond to, PBS‑subsidised courses of treatment with adalimumab or infliximab up to 3 times (but with the same drug no more than twice), at which point the patient is no longer eligible for treatment and the period of treatment ceases; and
where the following conditions apply:
if treatment with any of the drugs mentioned at (d) above is contraindicated according to the relevant Therapeutic Goods Administration‑approved Product Information, the authority application includes details of the contraindication;
if intolerance to treatment with the regimens mentioned at (d) above develops during the relevant period of use and is of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, the authority application includes details of the degree of this toxicity;
failure to achieve an adequate response is indicated by a severity of disease activity which results in a Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score greater than or equal to 300 as assessed, and is demonstrated in the patient at the time of the authority application;
all tests and assessments are performed preferably whilst still on treatment, but no longer than 1 month following cessation of the most recent prior treatment;
the most recent CDAI assessment is no more than 1 month old at the time of application;
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) details of prior systemic drug therapy (dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy); and
(iii) the signed patient acknowledgement;
a course of initial treatment commencing a treatment cycle is limited to a maximum of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose, to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6 of the course;
if a supply insufficient for 3 doses is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to allow the patient to complete the initial course of 3 doses may be submitted by telephone

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C2999
P2999
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — initial treatment 1
(adult patient ‑ short gut syndrome or an ostomy patient)
Initial treatment commencing a treatment cycle, by a gastroenterologist, a consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology or a consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology, of a patient with severe refractory Crohn disease who satisfies the following criteria:
(a) has confirmed Crohn disease defined by standard clinical, endoscopic and/or imaging features, including histological evidence, with the diagnosis confirmed by a gastroenterologist or a consultant physician as specified above; and
(b) has diagnostic imaging or surgical evidence of short gut syndrome or has an ileostomy or colostomy; and
(c) has evidence of intestinal inflammation; and
(d) has not received any prior PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease, or, where the patient has previously received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for this condition, has received no such treatment for a period of 5 years or more starting from the date the last application for PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for this condition was approved; and
(e) has signed a patient acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that PBS‑subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS‑subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment; and
(f) has failed to achieve an adequate response to prior systemic drug therapy including:
(i) a tapered course of steroids, starting at a dose of at least 40 mg prednisolone (or equivalent), over a 6 week period; and
(ii) immunosuppressive therapy including:
— azathioprine at a dose of at least 2 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months; or
— 6‑mercaptopurine at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months; or
— methotrexate at a dose of at least 15 mg weekly for 3 or more months; and
where a treatment cycle is a period of treatment which commences when an eligible patient (one who has not received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease in at least the previous 5 years) receives an initial course of PBS‑subsidised therapy with adalimumab or infliximab, and which continues until the patient has tried, and either failed or ceased to respond to, PBS‑subsidised courses of treatment with adalimumab or infliximab up to 3 times (but with the same drug no more than twice), at which point the patient is no longer eligible for treatment and the period of treatment ceases; and
where the following conditions apply:
if treatment with any of the drugs mentioned at (f) above is contraindicated according to the relevant Therapeutic Goods Administration‑approved Product Information, the authority application includes details of the contraindication;
if intolerance to treatment with the regimens mentioned at (f) above develops during the relevant period of use and is of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, the authority application includes details of the degree of this toxicity;
failure to achieve an adequate response is indicated by the following and is demonstrated in the patient at the time of the authority application:
(a) have evidence of intestinal inflammation, including:
(i) blood: higher than normal platelet count, or, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour, or, a C‑reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; and/or
(ii) faeces: higher than normal lactoferrin or calprotectin level; and/or
(iii) diagnostic imaging: demonstration of increased uptake of intravenous contrast with thickening of the bowel wall or mesenteric lymphadenopathy or fat streaking in the mesentery; and/or
(b) be assessed clinically as being in a high faecal output state; and/or
(c) be assessed clinically as requiring surgery or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as the next therapeutic option, in the absence of infliximab;
all tests and assessments are performed preferably whilst still on treatment, but no longer than 1 month following cessation of the most recent prior treatment;
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) details of prior systemic drug therapy (dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy); and
(ii) reports and dates of the pathology or diagnostic imaging test(s) nominated as the response criterion, if relevant; and
(iii) date of the most recent clinical assessment; and
(iv) the signed patient acknowledgement;
all assessments, pathology tests and diagnostic imaging studies are made within 1 month of the date of application;
a course of initial treatment commencing a treatment cycle is limited to a maximum of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose, to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6 of the course;
if a supply insufficient for 3 doses is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to allow the patient to complete the initial course of 3 doses may be submitted by telephone

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C3002
P3002
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — initial treatment 1
(adult patient ‑ extensive small intestine disease)
Initial treatment commencing a treatment cycle, by a gastroenterologist, a consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology or a consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology, of a patient with severe refractory Crohn disease who satisfies the following criteria:
(a) has confirmed Crohn disease, defined by standard clinical, endoscopic and/or imaging features, including histological evidence, with the diagnosis confirmed by a gastroenterologist or a consultant physician as specified above; and
(b) has extensive small intestinal disease with radiological evidence of intestinal inflammation affecting more than 50 cm of the small intestine; and
(c) has not received any prior PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease, or, where the patient has previously received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for this condition, has received no such treatment for a period of 5 years or more starting from the date the last application for PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for this condition was approved; and
(d) has signed a patient acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that PBS‑subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS‑subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment; and
(e) has failed to achieve an adequate response to prior systemic therapy including:
(i) a tapered course of steroids, starting at a dose of at least 40 mg prednisolone (or equivalent), over a 6 week period; and
(ii) immunosuppressive therapy including:
— azathioprine at a dose of at least 2 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months; or
— 6‑mercaptopurine at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months; or
— methotrexate at a dose of at least 15 mg weekly for 3 or more months; and
where a treatment cycle is a period of treatment which commences when an eligible patient (one who has not received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease in at least the previous 5 years) receives an initial course of PBS‑subsidised therapy with adalimumab or infliximab, and which continues until the patient has tried, and either failed or ceased to respond to, PBS‑subsidised courses of treatment with adalimumab or infliximab up to 3 times (but with the same drug no more than twice), at which point the patient is no longer eligible for treatment and the period of treatment ceases; and
where the following conditions apply:
if treatment with any of the drugs mentioned at (e) above is contraindicated according to the relevant Therapeutic Goods Administration‑approved Product Information, the authority application includes details of the contraindication;
if intolerance to treatment with the regimens mentioned at (e) above develops during the relevant period of use and is of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, the authority application includes details of the degree of this toxicity;
failure to achieve an adequate response is indicated by the following and is demonstrated in the patient at the time of the authority application:
(a) have severity of disease activity which results in a Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score greater than or equal to 220; and/or
(b) have evidence of active intestinal inflammation, including:
(i) blood: higher than normal platelet count, or, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour, or, a C‑reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; and/or
(ii) faeces: higher than normal lactoferrin or calprotectin level; and/or
(iii) diagnostic imaging: demonstration of increased uptake of intravenous contrast with thickening of the bowel wall or mesenteric lymphadenopathy or fat streaking in the mesentery; and/or
(c) be assessed clinically as being in a high faecal output state; and/or
(d) be assessed clinically as requiring surgery or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as the next therapeutic option, in the absence of infliximab;
all tests and assessments are performed preferably whilst still on treatment, but no longer than 1 month following cessation of the most recent prior treatment;
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) details of prior systemic drug therapy (dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy); and
(ii) (1) reports and dates of the pathology or diagnostic imaging test(s) nominated as the response criterion, if relevant; or
(2) the completed current Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) calculation sheet including the dates of assessment of the patient's condition, if relevant; and
(iii) date of the most recent clinical assessment; and
(iv) the signed patient acknowledgement;
all assessments, pathology tests and diagnostic imaging studies are made within 1 month of the date of application;
a course of initial treatment commencing a treatment cycle is limited to a maximum of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose, to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6 of the course;
if a supply insufficient for 3 doses is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to allow the patient to complete the initial course of 3 doses may be submitted by telephone

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C3004
P3004
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — initial treatment 3
(adult patient assessed by CDAI)
Commencement of a treatment cycle with an initial PBS‑subsidised course of infliximab for continuing treatment, by a gastroenterologist, a consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology, a consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology or other consultant physician in consultation with a gastroenterologist, of a patient who:
(a) has a documented history of severe refractory Crohn disease and was receiving treatment with infliximab prior to 7 March 2007; and
(b) had a Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score of greater than or equal to 300 prior to commencing treatment with infliximab; and
(c) has signed a patient acknowledgement indicating that they understand and acknowledge that PBS‑subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS‑subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment; and
(d) has demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment with infliximab; and
where a treatment cycle is a period of treatment which commences when an eligible patient (one who has not received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease in at least the previous 5 years) receives an initial course of PBS‑subsidised therapy with adalimumab or infliximab, and which continues until the patient has tried, and either failed or ceased to respond to, PBS‑subsidised courses of treatment with adalimumab or infliximab up to 3 times (but with the same drug no more than twice), at which point the patient is no longer eligible for treatment and the period of treatment ceases; and
where the following conditions apply:
an adequate response to infliximab treatment is defined as a reduction in Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score to no greater than 150;
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current and baseline Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score calculation sheet including the date of the assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) the signed patient acknowledgment;
the current CDAI assessment is no more than 1 month old at the time of application;
the baseline CDAI assessment is from immediately prior to commencing treatment with infliximab;
the course of treatment is limited to a maximum of 24 weeks of treatment;
if less than 24 weeks of treatment is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to enable the patient to complete a course of 24 weeks of therapy in total may be submitted by telephone;
a patient may qualify for PBS‑subsidised treatment under this restriction once only

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C3005
P3005
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — initial treatment 3
(adult patient ‑ short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine disease, or an ostomy patient)
Commencement of a treatment cycle with an initial PBS‑subsidised course of infliximab for continuing treatment, by a gastroenterologist, a consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology, a consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology or other consultant physician in consultation with a gastroenterologist, of a patient who:
(a) has a documented history of severe refractory Crohn disease and was receiving treatment with infliximab prior to 7 March 2007; and
(b) (1) has a history of extensive small intestinal disease with radiological evidence of intestinal inflammation affecting more than 50 cm of the small intestine; or
(2) has diagnostic imaging or surgical evidence of short gut syndrome or has an ileostomy or colostomy with a documented history of intestinal inflammation; and
(c) has signed a patient acknowledgement indicating that they understand and acknowledge that PBS‑subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS‑subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment; and
(d) has demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment with infliximab according to the criteria included in the relevant continuation restriction; and
where a treatment cycle is a period of treatment which commences when an eligible patient (one who has not received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease in at least the previous 5 years) receives an initial course of PBS‑subsidised therapy with adalimumab or infliximab, and which continues until the patient has tried, and either failed or ceased to respond to, PBS‑subsidised courses of treatment with adalimumab or infliximab up to 3 times (but with the same drug no more than twice), at which point the patient is no longer eligible for treatment and the period of treatment ceases; and
where the following conditions apply:
an adequate response to infliximab treatment is defined as:
(a) a reduction in Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score to no greater than 150; or
(b) improvement of intestinal inflammation as demonstrated by:
(i) blood: normalisation of the platelet count, or an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) no greater than 25 mm per hour, or a C‑reactive protein (CRP) level no greater than 15 mg per L; and/or
(ii) faeces: normalisation of lactoferrin or calprotectin level; and/or
(iii) evidence of mucosal healing, as demonstrated by diagnostic imaging findings, compared to the baseline assessment; or
(c) reversal of high faecal output state; or
(d) avoidance of the need for surgery or total parenteral nutrition (TPN);
the same criteria used to determine an inadequate response to prior treatment at baseline are used to determine response to treatment and eligibility for continuing therapy, according to the criteria included in the continuing treatment restriction;
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) (1) the completed current and baseline Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score calculation sheet, where relevant, including the date of the assessment of the patient's condition; or
(2) the reports and dates of the current and baseline pathology or diagnostic imaging test(s) in order to assess response to therapy; or
(3) the date of clinical assessment(s); and
(ii) the signed patient acknowledgement;
the patient's assessment is no more than 1 month old at the time of application;
the baseline assessment is from immediately prior to commencing treatment with infliximab;
the course of treatment is limited to a maximum of 24 weeks of treatment;
if less than 24 weeks of treatment is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to enable the patient to complete a course of 24 weeks of therapy in total may be submitted by telephone;
a patient may qualify for PBS‑subsidised treatment under this restriction once only

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C3008
P3008
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — initial treatment
(paediatric patient ‑ previous treatment not PBS‑subsidised)
Initial PBS‑subsidised supply for continuing treatment by a gastroenterologist, paediatrician, consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology, consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology or other consultant physician in consultation with a gastroenterologist, of a patient aged 6 to 17 years inclusive who:
(a) has a documented history of moderate to severe refractory Crohn disease and was receiving treatment with infliximab prior to 4 July 2007; and
(b) had a Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) Score of greater than 30 prior to commencing treatment with infliximab; and
(c) whose parent or authorised guardian has signed a patient acknowledgement indicating that they understand and acknowledge that PBS‑subsidised treatment will cease if the patient does not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS‑subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment; and
(d) has demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment with infliximab; and
where the following conditions apply:
an adequate response to infliximab treatment is defined as a reduction in Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) Score by at least 15 points as compared to baseline and a total PCDAI score of 30 points or less;
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current and baseline Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) calculation sheet along with the date of the assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) the signed patient acknowledgement;
the current PCDAI assessment is no more than 1 month old at the time of application;
the baseline PCDAI assessment is from immediately prior to commencing treatment with infliximab;
the course of treatment is limited to a maximum of 24 weeks of treatment;
if less than 24 weeks of treatment is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to enable the patient to complete a course of 24 weeks of therapy in total may be submitted by telephone;
a patient may qualify for PBS‑subsidised treatment under this restriction once only
Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

b)       omit
 
C3585
P3585
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — initial treatment
(paediatric patient)
Initial PBS‑subsidised treatment by a gastroenterologist, paediatrician, consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology or consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology, of a patient aged 6 to 17 years inclusive with moderate to severe refractory Crohn disease who satisfies the following criteria:
(a) has confirmed Crohn disease, defined by standard clinical, endoscopic and/or imaging features, including histological evidence, with the diagnosis confirmed by a gastroenterologist or a consultant physician as specified above; and
(b) whose parent or authorised guardian has signed a patient acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that PBS‑subsidised treatment will cease if the patient does not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS‑subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment; and
(c) has failed to achieve an adequate response to 2 of the following 3 conventional prior therapies including:
(i) a tapered course of steroids, starting at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg or 40 mg (whichever is the lesser) prednisolone (or equivalent), over a 6 week period;
(ii) an 8 week course of enteral nutrition;
(iii) immunosuppressive therapy including:
— azathioprine at a dose of at least 2 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months; or
— 6‑mercaptopurine at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months; or
— methotrexate at a dose of at least 10 mg per square metre weekly for 3 or more months; and
where the following conditions apply:
if treatment with any of the drugs mentioned at (c) above is contraindicated according to the relevant Therapeutic Goods Administration‑approved Product Information, the authority application includes details of the contraindication;
if intolerance to treatment with the regimens mentioned at (c) above develops during the relevant period of use and is of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, the authority application includes details of the degree of this toxicity;
failure to achieve an adequate response is indicated by severity of disease activity which results in a Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) Score greater than or equal to 30, as assessed preferably whilst still on treatment but no longer than 1 month following cessation of the most recent prior treatment, and is demonstrated in the patient at the time of the authority application;
the most recent PCDAI assessment is no more than 1 month old at the time of application;
all tests and assessments are performed preferably whilst still on treatment, but no longer than 1 month following cessation of the most recent prior treatment;
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) details of previous systemic drug therapy (dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy), or dates of enteral nutrition; and
(iii) the signed patient acknowledgement;
a course of initial treatment is limited to a maximum of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose, to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6 of the course;
if a supply insufficient for 3 doses is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to allow the patient to complete the initial course of 3 doses may be submitted by telephone

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures
c)       omit
 
C3805
P3805
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — initial treatment 2
(adult patient assessed by CDAI)
Initial treatment, or recommencement of treatment, with infliximab within an ongoing treatment cycle, by a gastroenterologist, a consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology or a consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology, of a patient who:
(a) has a documented history of severe refractory Crohn disease; and
(b) in this treatment cycle, has received prior PBS‑subsidised treatment with infliximab or adalimumab for this condition; and
(c) has not failed PBS‑subsidised therapy with infliximab for this condition more than once in the current treatment cycle; and
where a treatment cycle is a period of treatment which commences when an eligible patient (one who has not received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease in at least the previous 5 years) receives an initial course of PBS‑subsidised therapy with adalimumab or infliximab, and which continues until the patient has tried, and either failed or ceased to respond to, PBS‑subsidised courses of treatment with adalimumab or infliximab up to 3 times (but with the same drug no more than twice), at which point the patient is no longer eligible for treatment and the period of treatment ceases; and
where the following conditions apply:
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score calculation sheet including the date of the assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) details of prior adalimumab and infliximab treatment including details of date and duration of treatment; and
to demonstrate a response to treatment the application is accompanied by the results of the patient's most recent course of adalimumab or infliximab therapy where:
(a) the response assessment is provided to the Chief Executive Medicare no later than 4 weeks from the date that course was ceased; and
(b) (i) if the course of therapy is a 16‑week initial course (in the case of adalimumab), the assessment of response is made following a minimum of 12 weeks of treatment; or
(ii) if the course of therapy is a 3 dose initial course (in the case of infliximab), the assessment of response is made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose);
if the response assessment to the previous course of adalimumab or infliximab treatment is not submitted as detailed above, the patient is deemed to have failed therapy with that particular course of treatment;
a course of initial treatment within an ongoing treatment cycle is limited to a maximum of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose, to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6 of the course;
if a supply insufficient for 3 doses is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to allow the patient to complete the initial course of 3 doses may be submitted by telephone

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C3806
P3806
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — continuing treatment
(adult patient assessed by CDAI)
Continuing treatment within an ongoing treatment cycle, by a gastroenterologist, a consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology, a consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology or other consultant physician in consultation with a gastroenterologist, of a patient who:
(a) has a documented history of severe refractory Crohn disease; and
(b) has demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment with infliximab; and
where a treatment cycle is a period of treatment which commences when an eligible patient (one who has not received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease in at least the previous 5 years) receives an initial course of PBS‑subsidised therapy with adalimumab or infliximab, and which continues until the patient has tried, and either failed or ceased to respond to, PBS‑subsidised courses of treatment with adalimumab or infliximab up to 3 times (but with the same drug no more than twice), at which point the patient is no longer eligible for treatment and the period of treatment ceases; and
where the following conditions apply:
an adequate response to infliximab treatment is defined as a reduction in Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score to a level no greater than 150;
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the completed Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score calculation sheet including the date of the assessment of the patient's condition;
the CDAI assessment is no more than 1 month old at the time of application;
the CDAI assessment of the patient's response to a course of treatment is provided to the Chief Executive Medicare no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of the course, and, if the course of treatment is a 3 dose initial course, the assessment is made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose);
where an assessment is not submitted to the Chief Executive Medicare as detailed above the patient is deemed to have failed to respond, or to have failed to sustain a response, to treatment with infliximab, despite demonstrating a response as defined above;
a course of continuing treatment within an ongoing treatment cycle is limited to a maximum of 24 weeks of treatment;
if less than 24 weeks of treatment is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to enable the patient to complete a course of 24 weeks of therapy in total may be submitted by telephone;
patients are eligible to receive continuing infliximab treatment in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C3807
P3807
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — initial treatment 2
(adult patient ‑ short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine disease, or an ostomy patient)
Initial treatment, or recommencement of treatment, with infliximab within an ongoing treatment cycle, by a gastroenterologist, a consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology or a consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology, of a patient who:
(a) has a documented history of severe refractory Crohn disease and has short gut syndrome, an ileostomy or colostomy, or extensive small intestine disease; and
(b) in this treatment cycle, has received prior PBS‑subsidised treatment with infliximab or adalimumab for this condition; and
(c) has not failed PBS‑subsidised therapy with infliximab for this condition more than once in the current treatment cycle; and
where a treatment cycle is a period of treatment which commences when an eligible patient (one who has not received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease in at least the previous 5 years) receives an initial course of PBS‑subsidised therapy with adalimumab or infliximab, and which continues until the patient has tried, and either failed or ceased to respond to, PBS‑subsidised courses of treatment with adalimumab or infliximab up to 3 times (but with the same drug no more than twice), at which point the patient is no longer eligible for treatment and the period of treatment ceases; and
where the following conditions apply:
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the following: (i) reports and dates of the pathology or diagnostic imaging test(s) nominated as the response criteria, if relevant; and (ii) details of prior adalimumab and infliximab treatment including details of date and duration of treatment;
to demonstrate a response to treatment the application is accompanied by the results of the patient's most recent course of adalimumab or infliximab therapy where:
(a) the response assessment is provided to the Chief Executive Medicare no later than 4 weeks from the date that course was ceased; and
(b) (i) if the course of therapy is a 16‑week initial course (in the case of adalimumab), the assessment of response is made following a minimum of 12 weeks of treatment; or
(ii) if the course of therapy is a 3 dose initial course (in the case of infliximab), the assessment of response is made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose);
if the response assessment to the previous course of adalimumab or infliximab treatment is not submitted as detailed above, the patient is deemed to have failed therapy with that particular course of treatment;
the same baseline criterion used to determine response to an initial course of infliximab treatment is used to determine response, and thus eligibility for continued PBS‑subsidised therapy, to subsequent courses of treatment;
a course of initial treatment within an ongoing treatment cycle is limited to a maximum of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose, to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6 of the course;
if a supply insufficient for 3 doses is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to allow the patient to complete the initial course of 3 doses may be submitted by telephone

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C3808
P3808
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — continuing treatment
(adult patient ‑ short gut syndrome or an ostomy patient)
Continuing treatment in an ongoing treatment cycle, by a gastroenterologist, a consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology, a consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology or other consultant physician in consultation with a gastroenterologist, of a patient who:
(a) has a documented history of severe refractory Crohn disease with intestinal inflammation and with short gut syndrome or with an ileostomy or colostomy; and
(b) has demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment with infliximab; and
where a treatment cycle is a period of treatment which commences when an eligible patient (one who has not received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease in at least the previous 5 years) receives an initial course of PBS‑subsidised therapy with adalimumab or infliximab, and which continues until the patient has tried, and either failed or ceased to respond to, PBS‑subsidised courses of treatment with adalimumab or infliximab up to 3 times (but with the same drug no more than twice), at which point the patient is no longer eligible for treatment and the period of treatment ceases; and
where the following conditions apply:
an adequate response to infliximab treatment is defined as:
(a) improvement of intestinal inflammation as demonstrated by:
(i) blood: normalisation of the platelet count, or an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) no greater than 25 mm per hour, or a C‑reactive protein (CRP) level no greater than 15 mg per L; and/or
(ii) faeces: normalisation of lactoferrin or calprotectin level; and/or
(iii) evidence of mucosal healing, as demonstrated by diagnostic imaging findings, compared to the baseline assessment; or
(b) reversal of high faecal output state; or
(c) avoidance of the need for surgery or total parenteral nutrition (TPN);
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the reports and dates of the pathology or diagnostic imaging test(s) used to assess response to therapy or the date of clinical assessment;
the patient's assessment is no more than 1 month old at the time of application;
the assessment of the patient's response to a course of treatment is provided to the Chief Executive Medicare no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of the course, and, if the course of treatment is a 3 dose initial course, the assessment is made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose);
where an assessment is not submitted to the Chief Executive Medicare as detailed above the patient is deemed to have failed to respond, or to have failed to sustain a response, to treatment with infliximab, despite demonstrating a response as defined above;
the same baseline criterion used to determine response to an initial course of infliximab treatment is used to determine response, and thus eligibility for continued PBS‑subsidised therapy, to subsequent courses of treatment;
a course of continuing treatment within an ongoing treatment cycle is limited to a maximum of 24 weeks of treatment;
if less than 24 weeks of treatment is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to enable the patient to complete a course of 24 weeks of therapy in total may be submitted by telephone;
patients are eligible to receive continuing infliximab treatment in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C3809
P3809
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — continuing treatment
(adult patient ‑ extensive small intestine disease)
Continuing treatment in an ongoing treatment cycle, by a gastroenterologist, a consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology, a consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology or other consultant physician in consultation with a gastroenterologist, of a patient who:
(a) has a documented history of severe refractory Crohn disease with extensive intestinal inflammation affecting more than 50 cm of the small intestine; and
(b) has demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment with infliximab; and
where a treatment cycle is a period of treatment which commences when an eligible patient (one who has not received PBS‑subsidised treatment with adalimumab or infliximab for Crohn disease in at least the previous 5 years) receives an initial course of PBS‑subsidised therapy with adalimumab or infliximab, and which continues until the patient has tried, and either failed or ceased to respond to, PBS‑subsidised courses of treatment with adalimumab or infliximab up to 3 times (but with the same drug no more than twice), at which point the patient is no longer eligible for treatment and the period of treatment ceases; and
where the following conditions apply:
an adequate response to infliximab treatment is defined as:
(a) a reduction in Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score to no greater than 150; or
(b) improvement of intestinal inflammation as demonstrated by:
(i) blood: normalisation of the platelet count, or an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) no greater than 25 mm per hour, or a C‑reactive protein (CRP) level no greater than 15 mg per L; and/or
(ii) faeces: normalisation of lactoferrin or calprotectin level; and/or
(iii) evidence of mucosal healing, as demonstrated by diagnostic imaging findings, compared to the baseline assessment; or
(c) reversal of high faecal output state; or
(d) avoidance of the need for surgery or total parenteral nutrition (TPN);
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score calculation sheet including the date of the assessment of the patient's condition; or
(ii) the reports and dates of the pathology test or diagnostic imaging test(s) used to assess response to therapy; or
(iii) the date of clinical assessment;
all assessments are no more than 1 month old at the time of application;
the assessment of the patient's response to a course of treatment is provided to the Chief Executive Medicare no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of the course, and, if the course of treatment is a 3 dose initial course, the assessment is made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose);
where an assessment is not submitted to the Chief Executive Medicare as detailed above the patient is deemed to have failed to respond, or to have failed to sustain a response, to treatment with infliximab, despite demonstrating a response as defined above;
the same baseline criterion used to determine response to an initial course of infliximab treatment is used to determine response, and thus eligibility for continued PBS‑subsidised therapy, to subsequent courses of treatment;
a course of continuing treatment within an ongoing treatment cycle is limited to a maximum of 24 weeks of treatment;
if less than 24 weeks of treatment is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to enable the patient to complete a course of 24 weeks of therapy in total may be submitted by telephone;
patients are eligible to receive continuing infliximab treatment in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C3810
P3810
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Crohn disease — continuing treatment
(patient initiated on PBS‑subsidised treatment as a paediatric patient)
Continuing PBS‑subsidised treatment by a gastroenterologist, paediatrician, consultant physician in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology, consultant physician in general medicine specialising in gastroenterology or other consultant physician in consultation with a gastroenterologist, of a patient who:
(a) has a documented history of moderate to severe refractory Crohn disease; and
(b) has demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment with infliximab; and
(c) qualified for initial PBS‑subsidised therapy as a paediatric patient aged from 6 to 17 years inclusive; and
where the following conditions apply:
an adequate response to infliximab treatment is defined as a reduction in Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) Score by at least 15 points as compared to baseline and a total PCDAI score of 30 points or less;
the application for authorisation is made in writing and includes a completed copy of the appropriate Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application ‑ Supporting Information Form which includes the completed Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) calculation sheet along with the date of the assessment of the patient's condition;
the PCDAI assessment is no more than 1 month old at the time of application;
the PCDAI assessment of the patient's response to a course of treatment is provided to the Chief Executive Medicare no later than 4 weeks from the date of completion of the course, and, if the course of treatment is a 3 dose initial course, the assessment is made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose);
where an assessment is not submitted to the Chief Executive Medicare as detailed above the patient is deemed to have failed to respond, or to have failed to sustain a response, to treatment with infliximab, despite demonstrating a response as defined above;
a course of continuing treatment is limited to a maximum of 24 weeks of treatment;
if less than 24 weeks of treatment is authorised when the written application is made, a subsequent authority application for a supply sufficient to enable the patient to complete a course of 24 weeks of therapy in total may be submitted by telephone;
patients are eligible to receive continuing infliximab treatment in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response;
patients who fail to demonstrate or sustain a response to treatment with infliximab for Crohn disease as specified in the criteria for continuing treatment with infliximab are not eligible to receive PBS‑subsidised treatment with this drug within 12 months of the date on which treatment was ceased

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

d)       omit
 
C4714
P4714
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Initial treatment (new patient)
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to a 5-aminosalicylate oral preparation in a standard dose for induction of remission for 3 or more months or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal; AND
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to azathioprine at a dose of at least 2 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal; OR
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to 6-mercaptopurine at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal; OR
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to a tapered course of oral steroids, starting at a dose of at least 40 mg (for a child, 1 to 2 mg/kg up to 40 mg) prednisolone (or equivalent), over a 6 week period or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal; AND
Patient must have a Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6 if an adult patient; OR
Patient must have a partial Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6, provided the rectal bleeding and stool frequency subscores are both greater than or equal to 2 (endoscopy subscore is not required for a partial Mayo clinic score); OR
Patient must have a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) Score greater than or equal to 30 if aged 6 to 17 years.
Patient must be 6 years of age or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87) or a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)] or a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician or specialist paediatric gastroenterologist if aged between 6 to 17 years.
Applications for authorisation of initial treatment must be in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ulcerative Colitis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic or Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) details of prior systemic drug therapy [dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy]; and
(iii) the signed patient acknowledgement.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
All tests and assessments should be performed preferably whilst still on treatment, but no longer than 1 month following cessation of the most recent prior treatment. The most recent Mayo clinic, partial Mayo clinic or PUCAI score must be no more than 1 month old at the time of application.
Patients who fail to achieve a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1, or a PUCAI score less than 10 within the first 12 weeks of receiving this drug for ulcerative colitis, or have failed to maintain a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1, or have failed to maintain a PUCAI score less than 10 (if aged 6 to 17 years) with continuing treatment with this drug, will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug.
A partial Mayo clinic or PUCAI assessment of the patient's response to this initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose) so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
The patient or guardian (required if patient aged 6 to 17 years) must have signed a patient acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that the PBS-subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS-subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment.
If treatment with any of the above-mentioned drugs is contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information, please provide details at the time of application. If intolerance to treatment develops during the relevant period of use, which is of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, please provide details of the degree of this toxicity at the time of application.
Patients may qualify for PBS-subsidised treatment under this restriction once only.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C4715
P4715
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Initial PBS-subsidised treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in a patient who has previously received non-PBS-subsidised therapy with this drug (grandfather)
Patient must have been receiving treatment with this drug prior to 1 December 2014; AND
Patient must have had a Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6 prior to commencing treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have had a partial Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6, provided the rectal bleeding and stool frequency subscores were both greater than or equal to 2 (endoscopy subscore is not required for a partial Mayo score) prior to commencing treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have had a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) Score greater than or equal to 30 prior to commencing treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have a documented history of moderate to severe refractory ulcerative colitis prior to having commenced treatment with this drug where a Mayo clinic, partial Mayo clinic or PUCAI baseline assessment is not available; AND
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment by having a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 while receiving treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment by having a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score less than 10 while receiving treatment with this drug if aged 6 to 17 years.
Patient must be 6 years of age or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87) or a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)] or a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician or specialist paediatric gastroenterologist if aged between 6 to 17 years.
Applications for authorisation of initial treatment must be in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ulcerative Colitis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current and baseline Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic or Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition and
(ii) the date of commencement of this drug and
(iii) the signed patient acknowledgement.
The current Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic or PUCAI assessment must be no more than 1 month old at the time of application. The baseline assessment must be from immediately prior to commencing treatment with this drug.
Patients are eligible to receive continuing treatment with this drug in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to be sufficient for a single infusion at a dose of 5 mg per kg. Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised. No applications for increased repeats will be authorised.
The patient or guardian (required if patient aged 6 to 17 years) must have signed a patient acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that the PBS-subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS-subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment.
Patients may qualify for PBS-subsidised treatment under this restriction once only. For continuing PBS-subsidised treatment, a Grandfathered patient must qualify under the Continuing treatment criteria.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C4716
P4716
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Continuing treatment
Patient must have previously been issued with an authority prescription for this drug for this condition; AND
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment by having a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 while receiving treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment by having a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score less than 10 while receiving treatment with this drug if aged 6 to 17 years.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87) or a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)] or a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician or specialist paediatric gastroenterologist if aged between 6 to 17 years.
Patients who have failed to maintain a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1, or, patients who have failed to maintain a PUCAI score less than 10 (if aged 6 to 17 years) with continuing treatment with this drug, will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug.
Patients are eligible to receive continuing treatment with this drug in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide sufficient for a single infusion at a dose of 5 mg per kg. Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised. No applications for increased repeats will be authorised.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

e)       omit
 
C4762
P4762
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Balance of supply
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under the Initial treatment (new patient) restriction to complete the 3 doses (i.e. the initial infusion regimen at weeks 0, 2 and 6 weeks); OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under the Continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks of treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug to complete 24 weeks of treatment under the Initial PBS-subsidised treatment restriction for patients who had previously received non-PBS subsidised treatment ( Grandfathered patient); AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 3 doses (new patients) or 2 repeats (Continuing patients or Grandfathered patients).
Patient must be 6 years of age or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87) or a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)] or a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician or specialist paediatric gastroenterologist if aged between 6 to 17 years.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures
f)        insert in numerical order after existing text
 
C5077
P5077
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe Crohn disease
Continuing treatment of Crohn disease in a paediatric patient assessed by PCDAI
Patient must have a documented history of moderate to severe Crohn disease, AND
Patient must have previously been issued with an authority prescription for this drug for this condition, AND
Patient must have demonstrated an adequate response to treatment with this drug as defined as a reduction in PCDAI Score by at least 15 points as compared to baseline and a total of PCDAI score of 30 points or less with the PCDAI assessment being no more than 1 month old at the time of application.
Patient must be aged 6 to 17 years inclusive.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87) or a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)] or a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician or a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist.
Applications for authorisation must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form [may be downloaded from the Department of Human Services website (www.humanservices.gov.au)] which includes the following:
(i) the completed Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) calculation sheet along with the date of the assessment of the patient's condition.
The PCDAI assessment must be no more than 1 month old at the time of application.
If the application is the first application for continuing treatment with this drug, a PCDAI assessment of the patient's response must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
The assessment of the patient's response to a continuing course of therapy must be made within the 4 weeks prior to completion of that course and posted to the Department of Human Services no less than 2 weeks prior to the date the next dose is scheduled, in order to ensure continuity of treatment for those patients who meet the continuation criterion.
Where an assessment is not submitted to the Department of Human Services within these timeframes, patients will be deemed to have failed to respond, or to have failed to sustain a response, to treatment with this drug.
Patients are eligible to receive continuing treatment in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response.
A maximum of 24 weeks treatment will be authorised under this criterion.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide sufficient for a single infusion at a dose of 5 mg per kg. Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
Where fewer than 2 repeats are requested at the time of the application, authority approvals for sufficient repeats to complete a maximum of 24 weeks of treatment may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services on 1800 700 270 (hours of operation 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday to Friday) and authorised through the 'Balance of Supply' treatment phase PBS restriction.
Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5078
P5078
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Severe Crohn disease
Change or Re-commencement of treatment (initial 2)
Patient must have a documented history of severe Crohn disease, AND
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological disease modifying drug for this condition in this treatment cycle, AND
Patient must not have failed PBS-subsidised therapy with this drug for this condition more than once in the current treatment cycle.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Applications for authorisation must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form, which includes the following:
(i) the completed Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score calculation sheet including the date of the assessment of the patient's condition, if relevant; or
(ii) the reports and dates of the pathology or diagnostic imaging test(s) used to assess response to therapy for patients with short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine disease or an ostomy, if relevant; and
(iii) the date of clinical assessment; and
(iv) the details of prior biological disease modifying drug treatment including the details of date and duration of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied by the results of the most recent course of biological disease modifying drug (bDMD) therapy within the timeframes specified in the relevant restriction.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised bDMD treatment was approved under an initial treatment restriction, the patient must have been assessed for response to that course following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy for adalimumab and up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose) for infliximab and vedolizumab and this assessment must be submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 4 weeks from the date that course was ceased.
If the response assessment to the previous course of bDMD treatment is not submitted as detailed above, the patient will be deemed to have failed therapy with that particular course of bDMD.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
If fewer than the maximum stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase are requested at the time of the application, authority approvals for sufficient repeats to complete the balance of the stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services and applying through the Balance of Supply restriction.
Under no circumstances will telephone approvals be granted for treatment that would otherwise extend the relevant treatment phase.
The assessment of the patient's response to this initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose) so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
This assessment, which will be used to determine eligibility for continuing treatment, must be submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of this initial course of treatment.
Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted to the Department of Human Services within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5079
P5079
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Balance of supply
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under the Initial 1 (new patient) restriction to complete the 3 doses (i.e. the initial infusion regimen at 0, 2 and 6 weeks); OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under the Continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks of treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug to complete 24 weeks of treatment under the Initial PBS-subsidised treatment restriction for patients who had previously received non-PBS subsidised treatment (Grandfathered patient), AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 3 doses (new patients) or 2 repeats (Continuing or Grandfathered patients).

Patient must be 6 years of age or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician; OR
Must be treated by a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist.
Authority approval for sufficient therapy to complete a maximum of 3 initial doses or 2 repeats may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services.
Written applications for authority approval for sufficient therapy to complete balance of supply should be forwarded to:
Department of Human Services
Complex Drugs
Reply Paid 9826
HOBART TAS 7001

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5084
P5084
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Severe Crohn disease
Balance of supply
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under the Initial 1 (new patient) restriction to complete the 3 doses (i.e. the initial infusion regimen at 0, 2 and 6 weeks); OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under the Continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks of treatment, AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 3 doses (new patients) or 2 repeats (Continuing treatment).
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Authority approval for sufficient therapy to complete a maximum of 3 initial doses or 2 repeats may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5093
P5093
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Change or Re-commencement of treatment after a break in therapy (Initial 2)
Patient must have previously been issued with an authority prescription for infliximab or vedolizumab for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, AND
Patient must have previously demonstrated an adequate response to the most recent treatment course with this drug by having a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 during treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have previously demonstrated an adequate response to the most recent treatment course with this drugby having a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score of less than 10 while receiving treatment with this drug, if aged 6 to 17 years; OR
Patient must have previously received treatment with vedolizumab for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis but failed to achieve or maintain an adequate response to treatment.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician; OR
Must be treated by a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied by the results of the most recent course of this drug within the timelines specified in the relevant restriction. If the response assessment to the previous course of this drug is not submitted as detailed in the relevant restriction, the patient will be deemed to have failed therapy with this drug.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide sufficient for a single infusion at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
Authority approval for sufficient therapy to complete a maximum of 3 initial doses or 2 repeats may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5097
P5097
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe Crohn disease
Initial treatment (new paediatric patient) of Crohn disease in a paediatric patient assessed by PCDAI (Initial 1)
Patient must have confirmed Crohn disease, defined by standard clinical, endoscopic and/or imaging features, including histological evidence, with the diagnosis confirmed by a gastroenterologist, consultant physician, paediatrician or specialist paediatric gastroenterologist, AND
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to 2 of the following 3 conventional prior therapies including: (i) a tapered course of steroids, starting at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg or 40 mg (whichever is the lesser) prednisolone (or equivalent), over a 6 week period; (ii) an 8 week course of enteral nutrition; or (iii) immunosuppressive therapy including azathioprine at a dose of at least 2 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months, or, 6-mercaptopurine at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months, or, methotrexate at a dose of at least 10 mg per square metre weekly for 3 or more months; OR
Patient must have a documented intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal or a contra-indication to each of prednisolone (or equivalent), azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate, AND
Patient must have, at the time of application, disease severity considered to be moderate to severe as demonstrated by a Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) Score greater than or equal to 30 preferably whilst still on treatment, but no longer than 1 month following cessation of the most recent prior conventional treatment and which is no more than 1 month old at the time of application.
Patient must be aged 6 to 17 years inclusive.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87) or a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)] or a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician or a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist.
Applications for authorisation of initial treatment must be in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription forms; and
(b) a completed paediatric Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application -Supporting Information Form [may be downloaded from the Department of Human Services website (www.humanservices.gov.au)] which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) details of previous systemic drug therapy [dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy] or dates of enteral nutrition; and
(iii) the signed patient or guardian acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that the PBS-subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS-subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment.
If treatment with any of the specified prior conventional drugs is contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information, please provide details at the time of application. If intolerance to treatment develops during the relevant period of use, which is of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, please provide details of the degree of this toxicity at the time of application. Details of the accepted toxicities including severity can be found on the Human Services website (www.humanservices.gov.au).
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
If fewer than 2 repeats are requested at the time of the application, authority approvals for sufficient repeats to complete the 3 doses of this drug may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services on 1800 700 270 (hours of operation 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday to Friday) and authorised through the Balance of Supply treatment phase PBS restriction. Under no circumstances will telephone approvals be granted for initial authority applications, or for treatment that would otherwise extend the initial treatment period.
A PCDAI assessment of the patient's response to this initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose) so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
This assessment, which will be used to determine eligibility for continuing treatment, must be submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of this initial course of treatment. Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted to the Department of Human Services within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
It is recommended that an application for continuing treatment is posted to the Department of Human Services at the time of the 12 week assessment, to ensure continuity of treatment for those patients who meet the continuation criterion for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5103
P5103
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe Crohn disease
Balance of supply for a paediatric patient
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under Initial 1 (new patient or patient recommencing treatment after break of more than 5 years) or Initial 2 (change or recommencement of treatment after a break of less than 5 years) or Continuing treatment to complete the maximum duration of treatment specified in the relevant treatment phase, AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 3 doses or 2 repeats.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87) or a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)] or a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician or a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5109
P5109
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe Crohn disease
Change or re-commencement of treatment of Crohn disease in a paediatric patient assessed by PCDAI (Initial 2)
Patient must have a documented history of moderate to severe Crohn disease, AND
Patient must in this treatment cycle, have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug for this condition; OR
Patient must in this treatment cycle, have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with adalimumab for this condition, AND
Patient must not have failed PBS-subsidised therapy with this drug for this condition more than once in the current treatment cycle.
Patient must be aged 6 to 17 years inclusive.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87) or a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)] or a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician or a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied by the results of the most recent course of TNF-alfa antagonist therapy within the timeframes specified in the relevant restriction.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised TNF-alfa antagonist treatment was approved under an initial treatment restriction, the patient must have been assessed for response to that course following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy for adalimumab and up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose) for infliximab and this assessment must be submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 4 weeks from the date that course was ceased.
If the response assessment to the previous course of TNF-alfa antagonist treatment is not submitted as detailed above, the patient will be deemed to have failed therapy with that particular course of TNF-alfa antagonist.
Applications for authorisation of initial treatment must be in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed paediatric Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application -Supporting Information Form [may be downloaded from the Department of Human Services website (www.humanservices.gov.au)] which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Paediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) Score calculation sheet; and
(ii) details of prior TNF-alfa antagonist treatment including details of date and duration of treatment.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
If fewer than 2 repeats are requested at the time of the application, authority approvals for sufficient repeats to complete the 3 doses of this drug may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services on 1800 700 270 (hours of operation 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday to Friday) and authorised through the Balance of Supply treatment phase PBS restriction. Under no circumstances will telephone approvals be granted for initial authority applications, or for treatment that would otherwise extend the initial treatment period.
A PCDAI assessment of the patient's response to this initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose) so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
This assessment, which will be used to determine eligibility for continuing treatment, must be submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of this initial course of treatment. Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted to the Department of Human Services within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.
It is recommended that an application for continuing treatment is posted to the Department of Human Services at the time of the 12 week assessment, to ensure continuity of treatment for those patients who meet the continuation criterion for PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures


 
C5110
P5110
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Severe Crohn disease
Continuing treatment
Patient must have a documented history of severe Crohn disease, AND
Patient must have previously been issued with an authority prescription for this drug for this condition, AND
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment with this drug, AND
Patient must have an adequate response to this drug defined as a reduction in Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score to a level no greater than 150 if assessed by CDAI or if affected by extensive small intestine disease; OR
Patient must have an adequate response to this drug defined as (a) an improvement of intestinal inflammation as demonstrated by: (i) blood: normalisation of the platelet count, or an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) level no greater than 25 mm per hour, or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level no greater than 15 mg per L; or (ii) faeces: normalisation of lactoferrin or calprotectin level; or (iii) evidence of mucosal healing, as demonstrated by diagnostic imaging findings, compared to the baseline assessment; or (b) reversal of high faecal output state; or (c) avoidance of the need for surgery or total parenteral nutrition (TPN), if affected by short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine or is an ostomy patient.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Applications for authorisation must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score calculation sheet including the date of the assessment of the patient's condition, if relevant; or
(ii) the reports and dates of the pathology test or diagnostic imaging test(s) used to assess response to therapy for patients with short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine disease or an ostomy, if relevant; and
(iii) the date of clinical assessment.
All assessments, pathology tests, and diagnostic imaging studies must be made within 1 month of the date of application.
If the application is the first application for continuing treatment with this drug, an assessment of the patient's response to the initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
The assessment of the patient's response to a continuing course of therapy must be made within the 4 weeks prior to completion of that course and posted to the Department of Human Services no less than 2 weeks prior to the date the next dose is scheduled, in order to ensure continuity of treatment for those patients who meet the continuation criterion.
Where an assessment is not submitted to the Department of Human Services within these timeframes, patients will be deemed to have failed to respond, or to have failed to sustain a response, to treatment with this drug.
Patients are eligible to receive continuing treatment with this drug in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate quantity of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide sufficient for a single infusion at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
If fewer than the maximum stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase are requested at the time of the application, authority approvals for sufficient repeats to complete the balance of the stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services and applying through the Balance of Supply restriction. Under no circumstances will telephone approvals be granted for treatment that would otherwise extend the relevant treatment phase.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5111
P5111
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Continuing treatment
Patient must have previously been issued with an authority prescription for this drug for this condition, AND
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment by having a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 while receiving treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment by having a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score of less than 10 while receiving treatment with this drug, if aged 6 to 17 years.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician; OR
Must be treated by a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist.
Patients who have failed to maintain a partial Mayo clinic score of less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1, or, patients who have failed to maintain a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score of less than 10 (if aged 6 to 17 years) with continuing treatment with this drug, will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug.
Patients are eligible to receive continuing treatment with this drug in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide sufficient for a single infusion at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5112
P5112
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Initial PBS-subsidised treatment (Grandfather patient)
Patient must have previously received non-PBS-subsidised therapy with this drug for this condition prior to 1 December 2014, AND
Patient must have had a Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6 prior to commencing treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have had a partial Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6, provided the rectal bleeding and stool frequency subscores were both greater than or equal to 2 (endoscopy subscore is not required for a partial Mayo score) prior to commencing treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have had a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) Score greater than or equal to 30 prior to commencing treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have a documented history of moderate to severe refractory ulcerative colitis prior to having commenced treatment with this drug where a Mayo clinic, partial Mayo clinic or PUCAI baseline assessment is not available, AND
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment by having a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 while receiving treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment by having a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score of less than 10 while receiving treatment with this drug, if aged 6 to 17 years.
Patient must be 6 years of age or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician; OR
Must be treated by a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist.
Applications for authorisation of initial treatment must be in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ulcerative Colitis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current and baseline Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic or Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) the date of commencement of this drug; and
(iii) the signed patient acknowledgement.
The current Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic or Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) assessment must be no more than 1 month old at the time of application. The baseline assessment must be from immediately prior to commencing treatment with this drug. Where a baseline assessment is not available the prescriber must contact the Department of Human Services to discuss.
Patients are eligible to receive continuing treatment with this drug in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials, based on the weight of the patient, to provide sufficient for a single infusion at a dose of 5 mg per kg.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
A patient may qualify for PBS-subsidised treatment under this restriction once only.
For continuing PBS-subsidised treatment, a Grandfathered patient must qualify under the Continuing treatment criteria.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5118
P5118
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Severe Crohn disease
Initial treatment (new patient - initial 1)
Patient must have confirmed severe Crohn disease, defined by standard clinical, endoscopic and/or imaging features, including histological evidence, with the diagnosis confirmed by a gastroenterologist or a consultant physician, AND
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to prior systemic therapy with a tapered course of steroids, starting at a dose of at least 40 mg prednisolone (or equivalent), over a 6 week period; OR
Patient must have a documented intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal or a contraindication to steroids, AND
Patient must have failed to achieve adequate response to prior systemic immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine at a dose of at least 2 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months or have a documented intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal or a contraindication to this drug; OR
Patient must have failed to achieve adequate response to prior systemic immunosuppressive therapy with 6-mercaptopurine at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months or have a documented intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal or a contraindication to this drug; OR
Patient must have failed to achieve adequate response to prior systemic immunosuppressive therapy with methotrexate at a dose of at least 15 mg weekly for 3 or more months or have a documented intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal or a contraindication to this drug, AND
Patient must have severity of disease activity which results in a Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score greater than or equal to 220 if affected by extensive small intestine disease; OR
Patient must have severity of disease activity which results in a Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score greater than or equal to 300 if not affected by extensive small intestine disease, short gut syndrome or is an ostomy patient, AND
Patient must have evidence of intestinal inflammation and have diagnostic imaging or surgical evidence of short gut syndrome if affected by the syndrome or has an ileostomy or colostomy; OR
Patient must have radiological evidence of intestinal inflammation if the patient has extensive small intestinal disease affecting more than 50 cm of the small intestine; OR
Patient must (a) have evidence of intestinal inflammation, including: (i) blood: higher than normal platelet count, or, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour, or, a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; or (ii) faeces: higher than normal lactoferrin or calprotectin level; or (iii) diagnostic imaging: demonstration of increased uptake of intravenous contrast with thickening of the bowel wall or mesenteric lymphadenopathy or fat streaking in the mesentery; or (b) be assessed clinically as being in a high faecal output state; or (c) be assessed clinically as requiring surgery or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as the next therapeutic option, in the absence of this drug, if affected by short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine disease or is an ostomy patient.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Applications for authorisation must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition if relevant; and
(ii) details of prior systemic drug therapy [dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy]; and
(iii) the reports and dates of the pathology or diagnostic imaging test(s) nominated as the response criterion, if relevant; and
(iv) the date of the most recent clinical assessment; and
(v) the signed patient acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that the PBS-subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS-subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment.
All assessments, pathology tests, and diagnostic imaging studies must be made within 1 month of the date of application.
If treatment with any of the specified prior conventional drugs is contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information, please provide details at the time of application.
If intolerance to treatment develops during the relevant period of use, which is of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, details of this toxicity must be provided at the time of application.
Details of the accepted toxicities including severity can be found on the Department of Human Services website.
Any one of the baseline criteria may be used to determine response to an initial course of treatment and eligibility for continued therapy, according to the criteria included in the continuing treatment restriction. However, the same criterion must be used for any subsequent determination of response to treatment, for the purpose of eligibility for continuing PBS-subsidised therapy.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
If fewer than the maximum stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase are requested at the time of the application, authority approvals for sufficient repeats to complete the balance of the stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services and applying through the Balance of Supply restriction. Under no circumstances will telephone approvals be granted for treatment that would otherwise extend the relevant treatment phase.
The assessment of the patient's response to this initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose) so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
This assessment, which will be used to determine eligibility for continuing treatment, must be submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of this initial course of treatment.
Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted to the Department of Human Services within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

 
C5120
P5120
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Initial treatment (new patient - Initial 1)
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to a 5-aminosalicylate oral preparation in a standard dose for induction of remission for 3 or more months or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, AND
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to azathioprine at a dose of at least 2 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal; OR
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to 6-mercaptopurine at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal; OR
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to a tapered course of oral steroids, starting at a dose of at least 40 mg (for a child, 1 to 2 mg/kg up to 40 mg) prednisolone (or equivalent), over a 6 week period or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, AND
Patient must have a Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6 if an adult patient; OR
Patient must have a partial Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6, provided the rectal bleeding and stool frequency subscores are both greater than or equal to 2 (endoscopy subscore is not required for a partial Mayo clinic score); OR
Patient must have a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) Score greater than or equal to 30 if aged 6 to 17 years; OR
Patient must have previously received induction therapy with this drug for an acute severe episode of ulcerative colitis in the last 4 months and demonstrated an adequate response to induction therapy by achieving and maintaining a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1, or a PUCAI score less than 10 (if aged 6 to 17 years).
Patient must be 6 years of age or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)]; OR
Must be treated by a paediatrician; OR
Must be treated by a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist.
Applications for authorisation of initial treatment must be in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ulcerative Colitis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic or Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) details of prior systemic drug therapy [dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy]; and
(iii) the signed patient acknowledgement.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of 3 doses at 5 mg per kg body weight per dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, or to be administered at 8-weekly intervals for patients who have received prior treatment for an acute severe episode, will be authorised.
All tests and assessments should be performed preferably whilst still on treatment, but no longer than 1 month following cessation of the most recent prior conventional treatment.
The most recent Mayo clinic, partial Mayo clinic or Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score must be no more than 1 month old at the time of application.
Where treatment for an acute severe episode has occurred, an adequate response to induction therapy needs to be demonstrated by achieving and maintaining a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1, or a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score less than 10 (if aged 6 to 17 years), within the first 12 weeks of receiving this drug for acute severe ulcerative colitis.
Patients who fail to achieve a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1, or a Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) score less than 10 within the first 12 weeks of receiving this drug for ulcerative colitis, or have failed to maintain a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1, or have failed to maintain a PUCAI score less than 10 (if aged 6 to 17 years) with continuing treatment with this drug, will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug.
A partial Mayo clinic or Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) assessment of the patient's response to this initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose for patients administered doses at weeks 0, 2 and 6 (6 weeks following the third dose) so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
The patient or guardian (required if patient is aged 6 to 17 years) must have signed a patient acknowledgement indicating that he or she understands and acknowledges that the PBS-subsidised treatment will cease if he or she does not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS-subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment.
If treatment with any of the above-mentioned drugs is contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information, details must be provided at the time of application.
If intolerance to treatment develops during the relevant period of use, which is of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, details of the degree of this toxicity must be provided at the time of application.
Details of the accepted toxicities including severity can be found on the Department of Human Services website.

Compliance with modified Authority Required procedures

[14]      Schedule 3, after entry for Plerixafor
insert
Pomalidomide
C5101
P5101
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
This drug is a category X drug and must not be given to pregnant women. Pregnancy in female patients or in the partners of male patients must be avoided during treatment and for 1 month after cessation of treatment.
Multiple myeloma
Initial treatment
The treatment must be in combination with dexamethasone, AND
Patient must have undergone or be ineligible for a primary stem cell transplant, AND
Patient must have experienced treatment failure with lenalidomide, AND
Patient must have experienced treatment failure with bortezomib, AND
Patient must not be receiving concomitant PBS-subsidised thalidomide, lenalidomide or bortezomib.
Bortezomib treatment failure is the absence of achieving at least a partial response or as progressive disease during treatment or within 6 months of discontinuing treatment with bortezomib. Lenalidomide treatment failure is progressive disease during treatment or within 6 months of discontinuing treatment with lenalidomide.
Progressive disease is defined as at least 1 of the following:
(a) at least a 25% increase and an absolute increase of at least 5 g per L in serum M protein (monoclonal protein); or
(b) at least a 25% increase in 24-hour urinary light chain M protein excretion, and an absolute increase of at least 200 mg per 24 hours; or
(c) in oligo-secretory and non-secretory myeloma patients only, at least a 50% increase of the difference between involved free light chain and uninvolved free light chain; or
(d) at least a 25% relative increase and at least a 10% absolute increase in plasma cells in a bone marrow aspirate or on biopsy; or
(e) an increase in the size or number of lytic bone lesions (not including compression fractures); or
(f) at least a 25% increase in the size of an existing or the development of a new soft tissue plasmacytoma (determined by clinical examination or diagnostic imaging); or
(g) development of hypercalcaemia (corrected serum calcium greater than 2.65 mmol per L not attributable to any other cause).
Oligo-secretory and non-secretory patients are defined as having active disease with less than 10 g per L serum M protein.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) a completed authority prescription form; and
(2) a completed Multiple Myeloma pomalidomide Authority Application Supporting Information form; and
(3) reports demonstrating the patient has failed treatment with lenalidomide and bortezomib.
Patients receiving this drug under the PBS listing must be registered in the i-access risk management program.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

 
C5102
P5102
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
This drug is a category X drug and must not be given to pregnant women. Pregnancy in female patients or in the partners of male patients must be avoided during treatment and for 1 month after cessation of treatment.
Multiple myeloma
Continuing treatment
Patient must have previously been issued with an authority prescription for this drug, AND
Patient must not have progressive disease, AND
The treatment must be in combination with dexamethasone, AND
Patient must not be receiving concomitant PBS-subsidised thalidomide, lenalidomide or bortezomib.
Progressive disease is defined as at least 1 of the following:
(a) at least a 25% increase and an absolute increase of at least 5 g per L in serum M protein (monoclonal protein); or
(b) at least a 25% increase in 24-hour urinary light chain M protein excretion, and an absolute increase of at least 200 mg per 24 hours; or
(c) in oligo-secretory and non-secretory myeloma patients only, at least a 50% increase of the difference between involved free light chain and uninvolved free light chain; or
(d) at least a 25% relative increase and at least a 10% absolute increase in plasma cells in a bone marrow aspirate or on biopsy; or
(e) an increase in the size or number of lytic bone lesions (not including compression fractures); or
(f) at least a 25% increase in the size of an existing or the development of a new soft tissue plasmacytoma (determined by clinical examination or diagnostic imaging); or
(g) development of hypercalcaemia (corrected serum calcium greater than 2.65 mmol per L not attributable to any other cause).
Patients receiving this drug under the PBS listing must be registered in the i-access risk management program.

Compliance with Written or Telephone Authority Required procedures

[15]      Schedule 3, after entry for Valganciclovir
insert
Vedolizumab
C5072
P5072
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Initial PBS-subsidised treatment (Grandfather patient)
Patient must have previously received non-PBS-subsidised therapy with this drug for this condition prior to 1 August 2015, AND
Patient must have had a Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6 prior to commencing treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have had a partial Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6, provided the rectal bleeding and stool frequency subscores were both greater than or equal to 2 (endoscopy subscore is not required for a partial Mayo score) prior to commencing treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have a documented history of moderate to severe refractory ulcerative colitis prior to having commenced treatment with this drug where a Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic baseline assessment is not available, AND
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment by having a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 while receiving treatment with this drug, AND
Patient must be appropriately assessed for the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy whilst on this treatment.
Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Applications for authorisation of initial treatment must be in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ulcerative Colitis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current and baseline Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) the date of commencement of this drug; and
(iii) the signed patient acknowledgement.
The current Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic assessment must be no more than 1 month old at the time of application. The baseline assessment must be from immediately prior to commencing treatment with this drug. Where a baseline assessment is not available the prescriber must contact the Department of Human Services to discuss.
Patients are eligible to receive continuing treatment with this drug in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials, to provide for a single infusion of 300 mg per dose.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
A patient may qualify for PBS-subsidised treatment under this restriction once only.
For continuing PBS-subsidised treatment, a Grandfathered patient must qualify under the Continuing treatment criteria.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

 
C5073
P5073
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Balance of supply
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under the Initial 1 (new patient) restriction to complete the 3 doses (i.e. the initial infusion regimen at 0, 2 and 6 weeks); OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under the Continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks of treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug to complete 24 weeks of treatment under the Initial PBS-subsidised treatment restriction for patients who had previously received non-PBS subsidised treatment (Grandfathered patient), AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 3 doses (new patients) or 2 repeats (Continuing or Grandfathered patients), AND
Patient must be appropriately assessed for the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy whilst on this treatment.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Authority approval for sufficient therapy to complete a maximum of 3 initial doses or 2 repeats may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services.

Compliance with Written or Telephone Authority Required procedures

 
C5085
P5085
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Severe Crohn disease
Change or Recommencement of treatment (initial 2)
Patient must have a documented history of severe Crohn disease, AND
Patient must have received prior PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological disease modifying drug for this condition in this treatment cycle, AND
Patient must not have failed PBS-subsidised therapy with this drug for this condition more than once in the current treatment cycle, AND
Patient must be appropriately assessed for the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy whilst on this treatment.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Applications for authorisation must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form, which includes the following:
(i) the completed Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score calculation sheet including the date of the assessment of the patient's condition, if relevant; or
(ii) the reports and dates of the pathology or diagnostic imaging test(s) used to assess response to therapy for patients with short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine disease or an ostomy, if relevant; and
(iii) the date of clinical assessment; and
(iv) the details of prior biological disease modifying drug treatment including the details of date and duration of treatment.
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied by the results of the most recent course of biological disease modifying drug (bDMD) therapy within the timeframes specified in the relevant restriction.
Where the most recent course of PBS-subsidised bDMD treatment was approved under an initial treatment restriction, the patient must have been assessed for response to that course following a minimum of 12 weeks of therapy for adalimumab and up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose) for infliximab and vedolizumab and this assessment must be submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 4 weeks from the date that course was ceased.
If the response assessment to the previous course of bDMD treatment is not submitted as detailed above, the patient will be deemed to have failed therapy with that particular course of bDMD.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of one vial of 300 mg per dose, with one dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
If fewer than the maximum stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase are requested at the time of the application, authority approvals for sufficient repeats to complete the balance of the stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services and applying through the Balance of Supply restriction. Under no circumstances will telephone approvals be granted for treatment that would otherwise extend the relevant treatment phase.
The assessment of the patient's response to this initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose) so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
This assessment, which will be used to determine eligibility for continuing treatment, must be submitted to the Department of Human Services no later than 1 month from the date of completion of this initial course of treatment.
Where a response assessment is not undertaken and submitted to the Department of Human Services within these timeframes, the patient will be deemed to have failed to respond to treatment with this drug.

Compliance with Written or Telephone Authority Required procedures

 
C5096
P5096
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Continuing treatment
Patient must have previously been issued with an authority prescription for this drug for this condition, AND
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment by having a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 while receiving treatment with this drug, AND
Patient must be appropriately assessed for the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy whilst on this treatment.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Patients who have failed to maintain a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 with continuing treatment with this drug, will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug.
Patients are eligible to receive continuing treatment with this drug in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials, to provide for a single infusion of 300 mg per dose.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.

Compliance with Written or Telephone Authority Required procedures

 
C5099
P5099
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Severe Crohn disease
Initial treatment (new patient - initial 1)
Patient must have confirmed Crohn disease, defined by standard clinical, endoscopic and/or imaging features, including histological evidence, with the diagnosis confirmed by a gastroenterologist or a consultant physician, AND
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to prior systemic therapy with a tapered course of steroids, starting at a dose of at least 40 mg prednisolone (or equivalent), over a 6 week period; OR
Patient must have a documented intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal or a contraindication to steroids, AND
Patient must have failed to achieve adequate response to prior systemic immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine at a dose of at least 2 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months or have a documented intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal or a contraindication to this drug; OR
Patient must have failed to achieve adequate response to prior systemic immunosuppressive therapy with 6-mercaptopurine at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months or have a documented intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal or a contraindication to this drug; OR
Patient must have failed to achieve adequate response to prior systemic immunosuppressive therapy with methotrexate at a dose of at least 15 mg weekly for 3 or more months or have a documented intolerance of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal or a contraindication to this drug, AND
Patient must be appropriately assessed for the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy whilst on this treatment, AND
Patient must have severity of disease activity which results in a Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score greater than or equal to 220 if affected by extensive small intestine disease; OR
Patient must have severity of disease activity which results in a Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score greater than or equal to 300 if not affected by extensive small intestine disease, short gut syndrome or is an ostomy patient, AND
Patient must have evidence of intestinal inflammation and have diagnostic imaging or surgical evidence of short gut syndrome if affected by the syndrome or has an ileostomy or colostomy; OR
Patient must have radiological evidence of intestinal inflammation if the patient has extensive small intestinal disease affecting more than 50 cm of the small intestine; OR
Patient must (a) have evidence of intestinal inflammation, including: (i) blood: higher than normal platelet count, or, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 25 mm per hour, or, a C-reactive protein (CRP) level greater than 15 mg per L; or (ii) faeces: higher than normal lactoferrin or calprotectin level; or (iii) diagnostic imaging: demonstration of increased uptake of intravenous contrast with thickening of the bowel wall or mesenteric lymphadenopathy or fat streaking in the mesentery; or (b) be assessed clinically as being in a high faecal output state; or (c) be assessed clinically as requiring surgery or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as the next therapeutic option, in the absence of this drug, if affected by short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine disease or is an ostomy patient.

Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Applications for authorisation must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition if relevant; and
(ii) details of prior systemic drug therapy [dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy]; and
(iii) the reports and dates of the pathology or diagnostic imaging test(s) nominated as the response criterion, if relevant; and
(iv) the date of the most recent clinical assessment; and
(v) the signed patient acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that the PBS-subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS-subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment.
All assessments, pathology tests and diagnostic imaging studies must be made within 1 month of the date of application and should be performed preferably whilst still on conventional treatment, but no longer than 1 month following cessation of the most recent prior treatment
If treatment with any of the specified prior conventional drugs is contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information, please provide details at the time of application.
If intolerance to treatment develops during the relevant period of use, which is of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, details of this toxicity must be provided at the time of application.
Details of the accepted toxicities including severity can be found on the Department of Human Services website.
Any one of the baseline criteria may be used to determine response to an initial course of treatment and eligibility for continued therapy, according to the criteria included in the continuing treatment restriction. However, the same criterion must be used for any subsequent determination of response to treatment, for the purpose of eligibility for continuing PBS-subsidised therapy.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of one vial of 300 mg per dose, with one dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
If fewer than the maximum stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase are requested at the time of the application, authority approvals for sufficient repeats to complete the balance of the stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services and applying through the Balance of Supply restriction. Under no circumstances will telephone approvals be granted for treatment that would otherwise extend the relevant treatment phase.
The assessment of the patient's response to this initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose (6 weeks following the third dose) so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

 
C5104
P5104
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Severe Crohn disease
Balance of supply
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under the Initial 1 (new patient) restriction to complete the 3 doses (i.e. the initial infusion regimen at 0, 2 and 6 weeks); OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug under the Continuing treatment restriction to complete 24 weeks of treatment; OR
Patient must have received insufficient therapy with this drug to complete 24 weeks of treatment under the Initial PBS-subsidised treatment restriction for patients who had previously received non-PBS subsidised treatment (Grandfathered patient),
AND
The treatment must provide no more than the balance of up to 3 doses (new patients) or 2 repeats (Continuing or Grandfathered patients), AND
Patient must be appropriately assessed for the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy whilst on this treatment.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].

Compliance with Written or Telephone Authority Required procedures

 
C5107
P5107
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Initial treatment (new patient - Initial 1)
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to a 5-aminosalicylate oral preparation in a standard dose for induction of remission for 3 or more months or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, AND
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to azathioprine at a dose of at least 2 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal; OR
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to 6-mercaptopurine at a dose of at least 1 mg per kg daily for 3 or more months or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal; OR
Patient must have failed to achieve an adequate response to a tapered course of oral steroids, starting at a dose of at least 40 mg prednisolone (or equivalent), over a 6 week period or have intolerance necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, AND
Patient must have a Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6 if an adult patient; OR
Patient must have a partial Mayo clinic score greater than or equal to 6, provided the rectal bleeding and stool frequency subscores are both greater than or equal to 2 (endoscopy subscore is not required for a partial Mayo clinic score), AND
Patient must be appropriately assessed for the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy whilst on this treatment.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Applications for authorisation of initial treatment must be in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Ulcerative Colitis PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition; and
(ii) details of prior systemic drug therapy [dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy]; and
(iii) the signed patient acknowledgement.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of one vial of 300 mg per dose, with one dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
All tests and assessments should be performed preferably whilst still on treatment, but no longer than 1 month following cessation of the most recent prior conventional treatment.
The most recent Mayo clinic or partial Mayo clinic score must be no more than 1 month old at the time of application.
Patients who fail to achieve a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 or have failed to maintain a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 with continuing treatment with this drug, will not be eligible to receive further PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug.
A partial Mayo clinic assessment of the patient's response to this initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose for patients administered doses at weeks 0, 2 and 6 (6 weeks following the third dose) so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
Patients must have signed a patient acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that the PBS-subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS-subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment.
If treatment with any of the above-mentioned drugs is contraindicated according to the relevant TGA-approved Product Information, details must be provided at the time of application.
If intolerance to treatment develops during the relevant period of use, which is of a severity necessitating permanent treatment withdrawal, details of this toxicity must be provided at the time of application.

Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

 
C5121
P5121
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Severe Crohn disease
Initial PBS-subsidised treatment (Grandfather)
Patient must have a documented history of severe Crohn disease, AND
Patient must have previously received non-PBS-subsidised therapy with this drug for this condition prior to 1 August 2015, AND
Patient must have had a Crohn s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score of greater than or equal to 300 prior to commencing treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have a documented history of intestinal inflammation and have diagnostic imaging or surgical evidence of short gut syndrome if affected by the syndrome or has an ileostomy or colostomy; OR
Patient must have a documented history and radiological evidence of intestinal inflammation if the patient has extensive small intestinal disease affecting more than 50 cm of the small intestine, AND
Patient must have an adequate response to this drug defined as a reduction in Crohn s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score to a level no greater than 150 if assessed by CDAI or if affected by extensive small intestine disease; OR
Patient must have an adequate response to this drug defined as (a) an improvement of intestinal inflammation as demonstrated by: (i) blood: normalisation of the platelet count, or an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) level no greater than 25 mm per hour, or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level no greater than 15 mg per L; or (ii) faeces: normalisation of lactoferrin or calprotectin level; or (iii) evidence of mucosal healing, as demonstrated by diagnostic imaging findings, compared to the baseline assessment; or (b) reversal of high faecal output state; or (c) avoidance of the need for surgery or total parenteral nutrition (TPN), if affected by short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine or is an ostomy patient, AND
Patient must be appropriately assessed for the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy whilst on this treatment.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Applications for authorisation must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed current Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) calculation sheet including the date of assessment of the patient's condition if relevant; and
(ii) details of prior systemic drug therapy [dosage, date of commencement and duration of therapy]; and
(iii) the reports and dates of the pathology or diagnostic imaging test(s) nominated as the response criterion, if relevant; and
(iv) the date of the most recent clinical assessment; and
(v) the signed patient acknowledgement indicating they understand and acknowledge that the PBS-subsidised treatment will cease if they do not meet the predetermined response criterion for ongoing PBS-subsidised treatment, as outlined in the restriction for continuing treatment.
The assessment of the patient's response to a continuing course of therapy must be made within the 4 weeks prior to completion of that course and posted to the Department of Human Services no less than 2 weeks prior to the date the next dose is scheduled, in order to ensure continuity of treatment for those patients who meet the continuation criterion.
Where an assessment is not submitted to the Department of Human Services within these timeframes, patients will be deemed to have failed to respond, or to have failed to sustain a response, to treatment with this drug.
Patients are eligible to receive continuing treatment with this drug in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials, to provide sufficient for a single infusion of 300 mg vedolizumab per dose. Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
If fewer than the maximum stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase are requested at the time of the application, authority approvals for sufficient repeats to complete the balance of the stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services and applying through the Balance of Supply restriction. Under no circumstances will telephone approvals be granted for treatment that would otherwise extend the relevant treatment phase.
A patient may qualify for PBS-subsidised treatment under this restriction once only.
Compliance with Written Authority Required procedures

 
C5124
P5124
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Change or Recommencement of treatment after a break in therapy (Initial 2)
Patient must have previously been issued with an authority prescription for infliximab or vedolizumab for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, AND
Patient must have previously demonstrated an adequate response to the most recent treatment course with this drug by having a partial Mayo clinic score less than or equal to 2, with no subscore greater than 1 during treatment with this drug; OR
Patient must have previously received treatment with infliximab for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis but failed to achieve or maintain an adequate response to treatment, AND
Patient must be appropriately assessed for the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy whilst on this treatment.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
To demonstrate a response to treatment the application must be accompanied by the results of the most recent course of this drug within the timelines specified in the relevant restriction. If the response assessment to the previous course of this drug is not submitted as detailed in the relevant restriction, the patient will be deemed to have failed therapy with this drug.
A maximum quantity and number of repeats to provide for an initial course of this drug consisting of one vial of 300 mg per dose, with one dose to be administered at weeks 0, 2 and 6, will be authorised.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials, to provide for a single infusion of 300 mg per dose.
Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
Authority approval for sufficient therapy to complete a maximum of 3 initial doses of treatment may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services.

Compliance with Written or Telephone Authority Required procedures

 
C5127
P5127
Where the patient is receiving treatment at/from a private or public hospital
Severe Crohn disease
Continuing treatment
Patient must have a documented history of severe Crohn disease, AND
Patient must have previously been issued with an authority prescription for this drug for this condition, AND
Patient must have demonstrated or sustained an adequate response to treatment with this drug, AND
Patient must be appropriately assessed for the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy whilst on this treatment, AND
Patient must have an adequate response to this drug defined as a reduction in Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score to a level no greater than 150 if assessed by CDAI or if affected by extensive small intestine disease; OR
Patient must have an adequate response to this drug defined as (a) an improvement of intestinal inflammation as demonstrated by: (i) blood: normalisation of the platelet count, or an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) level no greater than 25 mm per hour, or a C-reactive protein (CRP) level no greater than 15 mg per L; or (ii) faeces: normalisation of lactoferrin or calprotectin level; or (iii) evidence of mucosal healing, as demonstrated by diagnostic imaging findings, compared to the baseline assessment; or (b) reversal of high faecal output state; or (c) avoidance of the need for surgery or total parenteral nutrition (TPN), if affected by short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine or is an ostomy patient.
Patient must be aged 18 years or older.
Must be treated by a gastroenterologist (code 87); OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 81)]; OR
Must be treated by a consultant physician [general medicine specialising in gastroenterology (code 82)].
Applications for authorisation must be made in writing and must include:
(a) a completed authority prescription form; and
(b) a completed Crohn Disease PBS Authority Application - Supporting Information Form which includes the following:
(i) the completed Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) Score calculation sheet including the date of the assessment of the patient's condition, if relevant; or
(ii) the reports and dates of the pathology test or diagnostic imaging test(s) used to assess response to therapy for patients with short gut syndrome, extensive small intestine disease or an ostomy, if relevant; and
(iii) the date of clinical assessment.
All assessments, pathology tests and diagnostic imaging studies, must be made within 1 month of the date of application.
If the application is the first application for continuing treatment with this drug, an assessment of the patient's response to the initial course of treatment must be made up to 12 weeks after the first dose so that there is adequate time for a response to be demonstrated.
The assessment of the patient's response to a continuing course of therapy must be made within the 4 weeks prior to completion of that course and posted to the Department of Human Services no less than 2 weeks prior to the date the next dose is scheduled, in order to ensure continuity of treatment for those patients who meet the continuation criterion.
Where an assessment is not submitted to the Department of Human Services within these timeframes, patients will be deemed to have failed to respond, or to have failed to sustain a response, to treatment with this drug.
Patients are eligible to receive continuing treatment with this drug in courses of up to 24 weeks providing they continue to sustain the response.
At the time of the authority application, medical practitioners should request the appropriate number of vials, to provide sufficient for a single infusion of 300 mg vedolizumab per dose. Up to a maximum of 2 repeats will be authorised.
If fewer than the maximum stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase are requested at the time of the application, authority approvals for sufficient repeats to complete the balance of the stated repeats in the relevant treatment phase may be requested by telephone by contacting the Department of Human Services and applying through the Balance of Supply restriction. Under no circumstances will telephone approvals be granted for treatment that would otherwise extend the relevant treatment phase.

Compliance with Written or Telephone Authority Required procedures