<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>334373</docID> <postdate>2024-12-01 13:55:23</postdate> <headline>Endometriosis drug cheaper for first time in 30 years</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-334374" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/pexels-olly-3808005-resized-e1733021577515.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Roughly one million Australians are living with endometriosis, according to the charity EndoActive. Photo: Andrea Piacquadio</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Caitlin Powell</strong></span></p> <p><strong>More than one million Australians living with endometriosis will have access to a treatment subsidised by the federal government for the first time in three decades.</strong></p> <p>Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Sunday that a daily tablet will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).</p> <p>"Women are suffering unnecessarily," he said. "They're having their experiences dismissed, being called hysterical and accused of drug shopping."</p> <p>Endometriosis is a disease causing tissue similar to uterus lining to grow in other parts of the body.</p> <p>Symptoms include period pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, pain during sex and reduced fertility.</p> <p>The newly subsidised drug Visanne (dienogest) is a daily tablet that works to shrink and suppress the growth of abnormal tissue.</p> <p>Nikki Steendam, 46, is living with endometriosis and has been taking the drug since her diagnosis.</p> <p>"For a while there, I was like a zombie, just doing the bare minimum to get through the day," she said.</p> <p>"These days, I'm feeling a lot better. My day-to-day life has improved, the pain has gone, and I don't need pain medication."</p> <p>The South Gippsland woman said having Visanne on the PBS means it will be available to everyone who needs it.</p> <p>Roughly one million Australians are living with endometriosis, according to the not-for-profit charity EndoActive.</p> <p>The condition causes 40,000 hospital admissions each year and it says hundreds of thousands of other women regularly reeling in pain.</p> <p>"There is no cure for endometriosis, and it can last for decades," said Professor Jason Abbott, an obstetrician and gynaecologist from the University of NSW.</p> <p>Prof Abbott said even after surgery patients need medication to help manage symptoms.</p> <p>"Affordable access to treatment options to help control symptoms is extremely important for a patient's quality of life."</p> <p>Without the subsidy, Mr Butler said patients could be paying roughly $750 a year for treatment.</p> <p>The announcement is part of more than $107 million invested by the federal government in supporting Australians with endometriosis, covering research, intervention and treatment.</p> </body>