Tanner’s eczema has improved since he was granted access to Dupixent. Photo: Supplied.
A Narrandera family is calling on the Federal Government to expand access to a medicine they say has allowed their nine-year-old son Tanner Hosie to enjoy life again after years of battling severe eczema.
Dupilumab (brand name Dupixent) is a medicine for severe eczema that has been available for Australians aged 12 and older through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which provides a subsidy that allows families access for just $25 per month.
However, the same benefit has been denied to families with younger children like Tanner. Without a PBS subsidy, dupilumab costs $1600 a month.
“It is not fair that these kids suffer the physical and emotional burden of severe eczema – from bleeding skin and sleepless nights to missed schooling and low self-esteem – when there is treatment that halts the condition in its tracks,” said Melanie Funk, founder of Eczema Support Australia.
Diagnosed at the age of six months, Tanner’s eczema was so severe he was often too sick to leave the house, missing out on school due to skin infections and flare-ups. Tanner took up rugby at the age of five, but his games were soon replaced by trips to the hospital. At the age of seven, Tanner was granted a special compassionate access to dupilumab, and his skin finally began to heal.
Now, the Hosie family are joining the SOS (Save our Skin) for Kids with Eczema campaign by Eczema Support Australia to have this access expanded to all children who urgently need the treatment.
Their calls come as the Federal Government considers funding dupilumab through the PBS for children as young as six months old with severe eczema.
“Make no mistake – for some children, eczema is not mild and it is not outgrown,” Ms Funk said, after raising twin boys with a severe form of eczema.
“Severe eczema robs kids of a normal childhood, affecting their health, emotional wellbeing, learning and socialisation through critical years of development and with life-long consequences.”
Tanner in hospital being treated for severe eczema. Photo: Supplied.
Severe eczema, known medically as atopic dermatitis, is a debilitating inflammatory skin condition that can cause severe itching, pain, physical and emotional distress, as well as sleep disruption. It affects about three million Australians, including one in three children aged six years or younger.
Unlike traditional eczema treatments that work to soothe the surface of the skin, dupilumab targets the specific internal signals that trigger the inflammation responsible for severe eczema, providing long-term control. The injection is administered every two to four weeks and can be used by children as young as six months of age.
“We have hundreds of families contacting us in distress, unable to access the medicine their children need because it costs almost $20,000 a year. With dupilumab now being considered for PBS funding, there is a glimmer of hope,” Ms Funk said.
“Our SOS distress call can’t fall on deaf ears and access to this medicine must not be impeded by more red tape. We are calling on the Australian Government to do right by these children and their families,” she said.
Original Article published by Oliver Jacques on Region Riverina.
