Warfarin PBS Price: What Australians Pay for Their Anticoagulant

Warfarin is a blood‑thinner that many Australians use to stop clots. If you’ve been prescribed it, the first thing you’ll wonder about is the cost. Luckily the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) keeps the price low for most patients.

How the PBS Sets the Price

The PBS negotiates a fixed subsidy with manufacturers. For warfarin, the government caps the price at the “PBS Schedule price,” which is the amount you pay after the subsidy. As of the latest update, the PBS price is around $5–$7 for a 30‑day supply, depending on the tablet strength.

Getting the Discount – Who Qualifies?

If you have a Medicare card, you automatically get the PBS price when you fill the prescription at a pharmacy. Concessional patients, like seniors or those with a government pension, pay even less – often just a few cents per pack. No extra paperwork is needed; the pharmacist applies the discount instantly.

Private patients who don’t qualify for the PBS can still ask their doctor to request a “Special Authority” listing, but this is rarely needed for warfarin because it’s a standard PBS medication.

Many people wonder whether buying in bulk saves money. Since the PBS price is fixed per pack, buying larger quantities doesn’t lower the per‑tablet cost. However, some pharmacies offer a “repeat prescription” service that can reduce the overall out‑of‑pocket expense by eliminating extra pharmacy fees.

Brand names like Coumadin used to be more expensive, but the PBS only lists the generic version now. That means you’ll always receive the cheaper generic tablets unless you specifically request a brand and are willing to pay the higher price yourself.

What about side‑effects and monitoring? Warfarin needs regular blood tests (INR) to stay in the therapeutic range. Those tests are usually covered by Medicare, so the total cost of staying on warfarin remains low when you factor in both medication and monitoring.

If you’re traveling overseas, the PBS price doesn’t apply abroad. Some countries have their own subsidy systems, but you’ll often pay the full retail price. It’s a good idea to bring enough tablets for your trip and talk to a doctor about a short‑term supply before you leave.

If you’re unsure whether your prescription is PBS‑listed, just ask the pharmacist. They can show you the PBS schedule number on the label, confirming you’re getting the subsidised price.

Finally, keep an eye on any PBS updates. The government reviews drug prices annually, and the warfarin price can change slightly. Your pharmacist or the SafeMeds4All website will post the latest figures, so you’re never caught off guard.

Bottom line: with a Medicare card you’ll likely pay under $10 for a month’s supply of warfarin, and even less if you’re a concessional patient. The PBS makes this essential medication affordable for most Australians, letting you focus on staying healthy rather than worrying about cost.