Guild on biosimilars
October 29, 2015
Substitution of biosimilar
medicines by community
pharmacists has been recognised
by the Pharmacy Guild in a new
policy position statement.
Acknowledging that use
of biosimilars is a “safe and
effective cost saving measure for
government and patients,” the
Guild policy notes that the TGA
follows a rigorous and detailed
assessment process for all
registered medicines.
“Where the Pharmaceutical
Benefits Advisory Committee has ‘a’
flagged a PBS item it is recognised
that the sponsors have submitted
evidence it is therapeutically
equivalent and may be used
without differences in clinical
effect,” the paper states.
Patients should be informed at
the pharmacy of the availability of
an alternative in these cases, with
the approach consistent with the
Guild’s PBS Brand Premium policy
for generic medicines which has
been in place for many years.
The new Guild biosimilars
policy highlights the importance
of continuing education for all
healthcare professionals, and
also says that to avoid patient
confusion, the name of the active
ingredient should be reinforced
when prescribing, labelling,
dispensing and administering
medicines to patients.
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