For the first time in 30 years, the Federal Government has announced they will be subsidising a new medication that will assist in the treatment of endometriosis. The medication, which is called dienogest, and sold as Visanne, has now officially been added to the Pharmaceuticals Benefit Scheme (PBS).

What is the medication being subsidised?

The endometriosis medication that is being subsidised is called Visanne. The medication works by shrinking the endometrial tissue, and can be prescribed by a general practitioner.

How much is it being subsidised by?

Under the PBS, Visanne will now cost $31.60 per box of 28 pills. This equates to $412 per annum, which is a significant drop from the cost of the medication pre-subsidy, at $750 a year.

Health minister Mark Butler also shared in a statement that for patients with concession cards, the medication could now cost "as little as $7" per box.

When does the subsidy come into effect?

Immediately. The subsidy came into effect on Sunday 1 December 2024.

Why is this so important?

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is a program that covers much of the cost of life-saving or disease-preventing medications so they can be accessed affordably by Australians. Including Visanne on the PBS means this medication is finally being treated as an essential. In the same way as an ventolin asthma puffer or anti-depressants.

Not only does this mean that many people with uteruses will be able to now afford the medications they need to live their lives  – this move is also a validating one. It affirms the experience of those with endometriosis, that it is a debilitating condition that requires the same level of support as other debilitating diseases.

What is endometriosis?

More than one million Australians suffer from endometriosis, a condition that makes up 40,000 hospital admissions every year. Endometriosis is when the endometrium cells similar to that which line the uterus (womb) begin to grow in other parts of the body, typically the pelvis region, but can also appear in less common locations like the shoulder. Even though these cells are not in the uterus, they still respond to signals from the ovaries. This results in the endometriosis tissue filling each month and bleeding when a woman is menstruating. Over time, this can lead to inflammation and scarring, causing organs to stick together in places, with this known as adhesions.

Earlier in 2024, a new endometriosis medication was also approved for use here in Australia, called Ryeqo. This was the first time in 13 years that a new medication had been approved by the Federal Government for treatment. Unlike Visanne, however, it is not currently subsidised by the PBS.