Discounts on prescription drugs

There is good news for the sick, and for those sick of paying too much for medicine.

Patients will soon be paying less for more than sixty prescription drugs, starting from tomorrow.

Among the new discounts on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme are popular medications used to treat asthma and breast cancer.

There will be relief for heartburn and ulcer sufferers with Pantoprazole or Somac dropping by $5.55.

Asthma sufferers will be able to breathe a little easier with Ventolin nearly fourteen per cent cheaper.

The savings become possible when a patent on a drug expires.

This means other companies are then able to make their own version or ‘generic version’ of the same medicine. This competition ultimately drives down prices.

It is good news for the Government also. The change gives a billion dollars back to the budget.