PBS Price Rosuvastatin – What You Need to Know

Rosuvastatin is a popular cholesterol‑lowering pill, often prescribed under the brand Crestor. In Australia, many people wonder how much they’ll actually pay when the drug is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This guide breaks down the current PBS price, who gets it for free, and simple tricks to keep your wallet happy.

How the PBS Sets the Price

The PBS negotiates with drug companies to fix a capped amount that patients pay for each prescription. For rosuvastatin, the government decides the price based on factors like effectiveness, safety, and how it compares to other statins. The listed price is the same across all pharmacies, so you won’t see different costs from one shop to another.

If you have a valid PBS card, you’ll usually pay a flat co‑payment – around $30 for general patients and $6.60 for pensioners or concession card holders. Once you hit the safety‑net (after spending a set amount in a calendar year), the drug becomes free for the rest of that period.

Tips to Save on Rosuvastatin

Even with the PBS subsidy, there are ways to cut costs further. First, ask your doctor if a lower dose meets your health goals; lower doses mean a lower co‑payment. Second, look for generic versions of rosuvastatin. Generics have the same active ingredient but often come with a cheaper PBS price.

Another tip: keep track of your prescriptions. If you’re close to the safety‑net threshold, plan to fill your next rosuvastatin script before the new calendar year starts – you’ll avoid another round of co‑payments. Finally, use the My Health Record portal or the PBS website to double‑check the current price – prices can change when new agreements are signed.Remember, the PBS price only applies if you use a pharmacy that participates in the scheme and you present a valid PBS card. If you try to get rosuvastatin without the card, you’ll pay the full market price, which can be several times higher.

In short, the PBS price for rosuvastatin keeps your out‑of‑pocket cost low, especially if you’re a pensioner or hit the safety‑net. Talk to your GP about dose options, consider generics, and stay on top of your prescription schedule. Doing these simple things can make a big difference in how much you spend on keeping your cholesterol in check.