MabThera available on the PBS for aggressive lymphoma from 1 July 2003

Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma chemotherapy drug now available on the PBS.

MabThera (rituximab) will be available on the PBS for use in patients with previously untreated, CD20 positive, diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in combination with chemotherapy, in patients aged 60 years and over. The maximum quantities are 100mg/10mL vials in packs of two, and 500mg/50mL vials in packs of one, with seven repeat prescriptions. The PBS listing will be effective from 1 July 2003. Advice of this listing will be given in the 1 August 2003 reprint of the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits.