If you or someone you know takes sulfasalazine, the first thing you’ll wonder about is how much it will cost at the pharmacy. In Australia that price is set by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which subsidises many prescription meds so patients pay a lower co‑payment.
Sulfasalazine is used for ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis, so staying on therapy matters. The PBS decides the subsidy amount based on clinical benefit, safety and cost‑effectiveness compared with similar drugs. That means the price you see on your receipt isn’t random – it’s the result of a national assessment.
The government reviews applications from drug sponsors. They look at clinical trial data, compare the new drug to existing treatments and negotiate a price that balances access with budget limits. Once approved, the medication gets a schedule number and a standard patient co‑payment – currently $44.40 for general patients and $6.80 for concession card holders.
Because sulfasalazine is an older drug, it’s listed as a generic on the PBS. That usually keeps the price lower than brand‑only options. However, if you pick up a specific brand or a pharmacy adds a markup, your out‑of‑pocket cost could rise.
The easiest way to check the current PBS price is the official PBS website. They publish a searchable database that shows the schedule number, approved dosage forms and the latest co‑payment amount. Many pharmacy apps also pull this data in real time, so you can see the exact price before you walk in.
If you’re traveling between states or using an online pharmacy, double‑check their listed price against the PBS database. Some retailers display a “PBS price” tag, but add extra fees for delivery or handling. Knowing the base co‑payment helps you spot unnecessary charges.
Another tip: ask your doctor if a lower‑dose tablet works for you. Sometimes splitting tablets can reduce the number of prescriptions you need, which means fewer co‑payments over time.
For patients on a tight budget, the PBS also offers a Safety Net that caps total out‑of‑pocket spending each calendar year. Once you hit that threshold, additional medicines become free for the rest of the year.
Keep an eye on any changes to the PBS schedule – they happen twice a year. A new listing could lower your cost, while a delisting might push you toward a different drug.
Our tag page gathers all recent articles that talk about sulfasalazine pricing, safety nets, and how to get the best deal. Browse through the list below for deeper dives into each of these topics.
By staying informed and checking the official PBS resources regularly, you can avoid surprise charges and make sure your treatment stays affordable.
Safe, legal ways to order Sulfasalazine online in Australia. What you need (prescription/eScript), legit pharmacy checks, PBS costs, delivery to WA, and red flags to avoid.
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