This report describes trends in the use of prescription medicines covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS). It provides data on the usage rates of and Australian Government spending on prescription medicines.

This report focuses on 2 key measures:

• The average amount of Australian Government spending on PBS prescriptions per person in the population, and
• The average number of prescriptions dispensed per person in the population.

Key findings

• Australians have had a similar number of PBS medicines dispensed over the last 10 years.
• Government spending on prescription medicines has increased over the last 10 years.
• Medicines for the cardiovascular system are dispensed the most.
• People living in more remote or in higher socioeconomic areas have had fewer prescription medicines dispensed and higher government spending on medicines.