Dr. Andrew Leech struggled with chronic migraines for more than ten years, undergoing numerous medications and long waits for specialist help before finding relief in the injectable migraine medication Ajovy. Despite his medical background, the journey to relief was difficult and expensive, costing him around $1,000 per month until Ajovy was added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Dr. Leech and other pain experts argue that GPs should have the authority to prescribe migraine medications like Ajovy, believing that current restrictions create unnecessary barriers for patient access to life-changing drugs. Mark Morgan from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners supports the need for a reevaluation of prescribing restrictions, emphasizing that barriers to medication initiation by specialists can delay patient care and limit access to effective treatments.
While initial treatment with Ajovy requires a neurologist, ongoing care can be provided by a GP in consultation with a neurologist, according to a Health Department spokesperson. Dr. Leech highlighted the shortage of neurologists, leading to lengthy waiting periods for appointments and follow-up visits, underscoring the challenges faced by migraine sufferers in accessing appropriate care in a timely manner. It is evident that the collaboration between GPs and specialists is crucial for optimal patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for a more efficient healthcare system to address the limitations in specialist accessibility.