From last week, a first-in-class biologic therapy known as Dupixent will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of patients 12 years or older with severe atopic dermatitis and those who have failed to respond to prescribed topical treatments.
Without PBS subsidy, people might pay around $22,800 a year to access this life-changing medicine but will now pay $41.30 a script or $6.60 with a concession card.
Prior to treatment with Dupixent, the 39-year-old and father of twin girls says his life was out of control, with sleep deprivation due to shocking eczema.
“It was debilitating,” he said.
“I couldn’t go out in the sun and it was affecting my work and relationships.
“It’s torture, you spend every day in agony and avoiding water. You wake in pain and your bed sheets are covered in blood. It’s nasty stuff. It gives you anxiety because you don’t want people to see it. It’s frustrating and affects your whole life because you can’t escape.”
In August 2018, Jarrod started treatment with Dupixent on compassionate grounds and said he could now wake up and feel happy.
“I can now take a shower without being in pain,” he said.
“I can spend a day at the beach with my kids and not worry about having to take a week off work afterwards.”
Residents who do not meet PBS criteria, can access the medicine on private prescription.
