An effective chronic migraine and headache medication is facing a shortage in Australia, just months after it was listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
AJOVY — a prescription medication used for the treatment of migraines, has been available in Australia since September 2019.
Since then, it has said to have dramatically helped about 400,000 Australians who live with chronic migraines.
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But the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au it is aware of a shortage of the medication.
“There is still stock available, but supply is limited and not expected to be enough to meet demand,” it said.
The government authority added the shortages are due to an “unexpected increase in demand relating to the shortage of another migraine medication known as Emgality”.
“In the meantime, the sponsor of AJOVY, Teva Pharma Australia, is closely controlling supply to support fair and equitable distribution of the limited stock,” the TGA added.
But for Sydney woman Linda*, the shortage has left her feeling “overwhelmed and frustrated”.
“I finally thought after years of trying everything that I had found something that worked,” she said.
“But when I went to the chemist, and they said there was a shortage, I had to run around to every chemist in the city looking for it.
“The entire thing actually gave me a bad headache in the end.”
The shortage comes just months after the medication was approved under the PBS.
In November 2023, it was announced Australians with “high frequency episodic migraines” would have access to the medication under the scheme.
“Migraine is a debilitating condition. It is vital that medicines such as this be made available, at an affordable price, for Australians,” Health Minister Mark Butler said of the announcement in November.
“The Government is committed to improving the lives of people living with migraines and this PBS listing will ensure they can access crucial treatment options.
“Treatments such as this can reduce the frequency and symptoms of migraines, improving the quality of life for these Australians and their families.”
The TGA has estimated more stock will be available in Australia in April 2024.
*Not her real name
