Patient Speaks Out as Low-Dose Zoladex Treatment Set to Be Discontinued
12 Jun 2026
The medication, used as part of hormone treatment for certain breast cancer patients, is currently provided under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). It will be removed from both PBS listings and private prescriptions, affecting thousands of patients.
The change affects the 3.6 mg monthly implant made by AstraZeneca, which has been dispensed nearly 30,000 times this year according to Services Australia data. A higher 10.8 mg three-monthly version will remain available on the PBS for some prostate cancer patients.
Ashleigh Middleton, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30, said she was told by her oncologist that continuing the monthly implant for five years was an important part of her treatment plan.
She said learning about the discontinuation was distressing and raised concerns about treatment continuity and cancer recurrence risk.
The decision has been linked to commercial considerations, according to statements previously provided by the manufacturer, which has also indicated it is seeking regulatory approval to expand access to the three-monthly version for breast cancer patients.
Ms Middleton said she is hopeful the longer-acting option will become available for her condition but is worried about potential gaps in treatment during the transition.
She also said the change will affect other patients at her workplace clinic, including younger women with breast cancer and people being treated for conditions such as endometriosis.
Healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, may face additional workload as they help patients adjust treatment plans and manage alternative therapies.
Ms Middleton praised her GP team but said communication around changes like this often reaches practices too late, making it harder to prepare for patient care adjustments.
She called for better communication systems so general practices are informed earlier about medicine supply and policy changes.
Patient Speaks Out as Low-Dose Zoladex Treatment Set to Be Discontinued
Source: RACGP newsGP