The way in which ODT medicines are currently listed on the PBS Schedule is changing, affecting the following medications:

  • Methadone oral liquid
  • Buprenorphine sublingual tablets
  • Buprenorphine + naloxone sublingual films
  • Long-acting injectable buprenorphine products

We strongly recommend you review the information on Opioid Dependence Treatment Program to prepare for the change from July 1, 2023.

Methadone Liquid pack size changes

PBS has changed the way the quantity is measured for the methadone liquid products below, as part of the PBS change to Opioid dependence treatment (ODT) program. All PBS item codes listed against these products are impacted by the changes.

  • oral solution containing methadone hydrochloride 5 mg/mL oral liquid, 1000mL
  • oral solution containing methadone hydrochloride 5 mg/mL oral liquid, 200mL

From 1 July 2023, PBS prescriptions for these products should be dispensed by the millilitres supplied.

To accommodate this change, it is necessary to have 2 stock cards for each of these products in your database for a transition period. The original stock card with Items in Pack of 1 and a new stock card with Items in Pack of 200 or 1000mL.

Where a prescription dispensed prior to 1 July 2023 needs to be edited, the dispensing will still use the original product and the quantity of 1 (whole bottle) should be dispensed.

After 1 July, both new and repeat prescriptions should be dispensed under the new stock card i.e. dispensed by millilitre. Refer to Pharmacist Factsheet below on how to dispense repeats for prescription written prior to 1 July 2023.

If these items are dispensed in your pharmacy, it is recommended that you move your stock on hand, barcode, preferred supplier and PDE to the new stock card to avoid stock on hand and ordering issues.

 The products affected by this change are: 

  • BIODONE-FTE ORAL-LIQ 25MG/5ML 1000ML
  • ASPEN-METHADONE ORAL-LIQ 5MG/ML 1000ML
  • ASPEN-METHADONE SYRUP 5MG/ML 200ML
  • ASPEN-METHADONE ORAL-LIQ 5MG/ML 200ML

We strongly recommend you review the following PBS factsheets to prepare for the change in ODT program: