The supply of medications for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is managed through the Victorian Tuberculosis Program in conjunction with the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) Pharmacy.
Key points
- Medications used for the treatment of TB are free for patients whose diagnosis is notified to the Department of Health
- The estimated turnaround time for orders is 24 to 48 hours for existing accounts on non-Special Access Scheme (SAS) products, and 48 to 72 hours for existing accounts on SAS products
- New accounts (such as first-time orders) typically require one week for establishment and registration
Medications used for the treatment of TB disease are provided free of charge for patients notified to the Department of Health and are dispensed through hospital pharmacies.
In some circumstances, this can be through community pharmacies where arrangements have been made.
How to order TB medications
Instructions and tips for pharmacies ordering medications to treat TB:
- Complete all sections of the order sheet – incomplete orders will be referred back for completion
- Complete the order electronically to allow totals to be calculated automatically – do not handwrite
- Order quantities should not exceed one month and should be submitted once per month only
- Attach SAS forms, for each patient requiring SAS medication, as indicated on the form, for every order
- Attach Criteria for Supply of Second-line Anti Tuberculosis Medication forms for each patient requiring second-line treatment medications, as indicated on the order form, for every order
- Email the order to tb2@mh.org.au
The estimated turnaround time for orders is 24 to 48 hours for existing accounts on non-SAS products, and 48 to 72 hours for existing accounts on SAS products.
Please note that new accounts (such as first-time orders) typically require one week for establishment and registration.
Resources for pharmacists
Active tuberculosis (TB) is a notifiable disease in Victoria.
All cases must be reported to the Department of Health by the patient’s treating doctor or the testing laboratory within 5 days of diagnosis.