Schizophrenia patients could lead easier lives with the approval of a new government subsidised medication, a leading Australian psychiatrist says.
Professor Malcolm Hopwood said access to Rexulti, an antipysochotic tablet, allowed patients a new type of treatment.
"It's a valuable addition because new treatments are always welcome," he told AAP.
"There isn't one single drug or treatment which is the perfect option for everyone, so a new drug provides more options which is always important".
Prof Hopwood said it can be hard for patients to find the right treatment, and some are forced to change medication every nine-to-twelve months.
Schizophrenia is one of the top ten disabilities in Australia, with patients sometimes suffering from physical health issues as well as the mental health aspects, Prof Hopwood said.
One of the benefits of Rexulti, available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from Sunday, was that it didn't appear to lead to weight gain or diabetes.
Schizophrenia can also have a devastating effect on family members watching their loved ones go through such a debilitating experience.
"It can be heartbreaking for the family," Prof Hopwood said.
While he expects it will take six-to-twelve months before the drug can be labelled a success, Prof Hopwood said early indications suggest it will prove to be a very useful treatment.
The drug, normally $1700, will now be just $38 after it was added to PBS, Fairfax Media reports.
It was one of 1400 drugs now available under the PBS.
Patients suffering from a wide array of illnesses, from breast cancer needing chemotherapy to blood pressure and even stomach acid, will see the price of some medications slashed.
The cost of statins, routinely prescribed to control heart disease, will drop by 700 per cent after generics were added to the PBS while stomach acid medication will be one dollar cheaper.
