This report describes trends in the use of prescription medicines covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS). It provides data on the usage rates of and Australian Government spending on prescription medicines.
This report is a companion to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's (AIHW) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions: monthly data.
- Cat. no: HWE 99
Findings from this report:
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Australians have had a similar number of PBS medicines dispensed over the last 10 years
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Government spending on prescription medicines has increased over the last 10 years
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Medicines for the cardiovascular system are dispensed the most
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People living in more remote or in higher socioeconomic areas have had fewer prescription medicines dispensed