NAPWA

For the cost of a single PBS[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs. script, Australians now have access to Atripla, the first HIV medication to combine three treatments in a single once-a-day tablet.

The new pill contains 300mg tenofovir + 200mg emtricitabine + 600mg efavirenz and is available for those either starting treatment for the first time or changing from other HIV treatments.

‘Combination pills such as these are a welcome addition to our antiretroviralA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. arsenal,’ says Peter Canavan, Senior Coordinator of NAPWA’s Health, Treatments and Research Unit.

‘With new Australian research showing that more of us are living below the poverty line, its important that HIV treatment becomes more affordable,’ he added.