Hope for Australia’s ‘Silent Epidemic’: Expanded Access to Life-Changing Kidney Disease Medication
For millions of Australians, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing, often unseen, health threat. Often dubbed a ‘silent epidemic,’ CKD frequently progresses without noticeable symptoms until important kidney damage has occurred. But a recent expansion of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) offers a beacon of hope,promising more affordable access to a medication that can slow disease progression and preserve vital kidney function.
Jardiance (Empagliflozin): A game-Changer for Kidney Health
Jardiance,also known as Empagliflozin,isn’t new to the Australian healthcare landscape. Last year, it was initially listed on the PBS for a specific subset of patients. Though, as of November 1st, 2023, eligibility has dramatically broadened, extending potential benefits to an estimated 70,000 additional Australians living with CKD.
Health Minister Mark Butler hailed the move as “life-changing,” and for many, that’s a very real assessment. Jardiance works by helping the kidneys remove excess sugar from the body, reducing strain and slowing the decline of kidney function.This is notably crucial as kidney disease frequently enough co-exists with, and is exacerbated by, conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
The Scope of the Problem: Understanding Kidney Disease in Australia
The statistics are sobering.According to the 2021 Census, approximately 1% of the Australian population lives with CKD. However, this figure likely represents just the tip of the iceberg. Alarmingly, it’s estimated that over 2.5 million Australians have some degree of kidney disease, yet less than 10% are even aware of their condition.
The risk increases considerably with age, with one in twenty Australians over 75 diagnosed with CKD. This underscores the importance of proactive health monitoring, particularly for older adults. The insidious nature of the disease – its ability to progress silently until 90% of kidney function is lost – makes early detection paramount.
Affordability: Removing Barriers to Treatment
The financial burden of managing a chronic illness can be substantial. The expanded PBS listing of Jardiance directly addresses this concern. For concession card holders, the cost of a single script will be reduced to just $7.70. Even for those without a concession card, the price will decrease from $31.60 to $25 per script from next year, making this vital medication significantly more accessible.
Peter Brown, a two-year CKD patient, shared his relief at the news. “It’s gonna make a big difference,” he said, highlighting the cumulative savings over a year. These cost reductions aren’t just about dollars and cents; they’re about empowering patients to prioritize their health without facing undue financial hardship.
Beyond medication: The Importance of Kidney Health Checks
While Jardiance represents a significant advancement in CKD management,it’s not a standalone solution. Professor Carol Pollock, Chair of Kidney Health Australia, emphasizes the critical role of preventative care.
“To pick up kidney disease, what we really need is a blood test, a blood pressure check and a urine test,” she explains. “And what we would like to see is a kidney health check that meant that people would have those things done and then have an understanding of what the risk the kidney disease could be and allow it to be appropriately treated.”
Regular kidney health checks are particularly critically important for individuals with risk factors such as:
* Diabetes
* high blood pressure
* Family history of kidney disease
* Cardiovascular disease
* Obesity
Taking Control of Your Kidney Health
The expanded access to Jardiance is a positive step forward in addressing Australia’s ‘silent epidemic.’ However, proactive kidney health management is a shared responsibility. By understanding the risk factors, undergoing regular health checks, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can take control of your kidney health and protect your future well-being.
Resources:
* kidney Health Australia: https://www.kidney.org.au/
* Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS): https://www.pbs.gov.au/
Worth a look