Mallee diabetics are being left facing higher costs with the removal of a life changing insulin from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health Anne Webster says.

“Fiasp is an innovative mealtime insulin that improves blood sugar control in diabetes patients at a faster rate than other diabetes medications,” Dr Webster said.

“I have been inundated with calls from people concerned about what this move will mean for them – whether it forces people back onto older, slower acting medicines or significantly raises their out of pocket costs.”

Fiasp is currently the only rapid-acting insulin available for patients.

“Using Fiasp, diabetes patients can deliver insulin via their pump and have it acting within minutes – before it leaves their system in about an hour,” Dr Webster said.

“Unlike other diabetes medications which take longer to start acting and remain in the body longer, making them less convenient for the user.

“One Diabetes patient in Mallee told me that Fiasp makes her feel normal – this is the type of person who will now be missing out unless this Government acts in the interests of diabetes patients around Australia.”

The former Coalition Government listed Fiasp on the PBS in 2019, ensuring affordable access to this fast-acting insulin for diabetes patients.