Update for general practitioners on availability of Praziquantel (Biltricide) for treatment of schistosomiasis
The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide continues to recommend screening and treatment for schistosomiasis for all newly arrived people of refugee backgrounds if they have lived in or travelled through endemic areas. The recommended treatment is praziquantel.
Praziquantel availability and accessibility in Australia
As of 31 March 2025, praziquantel manufacture by Bayer has been ceased in Australia and there is no current formulation available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved a formulation to be available via private prescription under section 19a. However, this private prescription costs approximately $250 dollars for a pack of 6 tablets, which is unaffordable for most newly arrived people.
Alternative formulations of praziquantel are available through hospital pharmacies (costing from around $50 to $90) through the Special Access Scheme but there are significant logistical difficulties with this access for general practitioners and patients.
The Refugee Health Network of Queensland Clinical Advisory Group (RHNQ-CAG) and national refugee health networks are advocating for PBS inclusion of praziquantel and are also exploring alternative options for supply and treatment pathways for general practitioners.
Next steps for clinicians treating schistosomiasis
Currently, referral to local Infectious Diseases services is one of the few practical options for schistosomiasis treatment.
RHNQ-CAG recommends following The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide recommendations on testing urine and stool and looking for end organ damage to assist in risk stratification and referral triage.
Where possible, clinicians are asked to provide the number of patients requiring schistosomiasis treatment to RHNQ-CAG. These figures will support RHNQ-CAG’s advocacy work.
Please provide your feedback to Dr Rachel Claydon, Chair Refugee Health Network of Queensland Primary Care Clinical Advisory Group via rachel.claydon@mater.org.au.