Asthma sufferers get cheaper drugs

People with severe forms of asthma will get access to new subsidies once two types of drugs are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2017.

Asthma sufferers will get some relief in the government's mid-year budget update with almost $130 million in drug subsidies.

From February 1, 2017 people with severe uncontrolled asthma will get subsidised access to the medicine Spiriva Respimat, which otherwise would cost people more than $700 a year.

The government is also adding another medicine, Nucala, to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for patients with persistent airway inflammation to access from January 1.