Lamotrigine Price PBS – Quick Guide to Cost and Coverage

If you or someone you know takes lamotrigine for epilepsy or bipolar disorder, you’ve probably wondered how much the drug costs through Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The answer isn’t a single number – it depends on your prescription strength, your concession status, and whether you’re getting the brand or a generic version. This guide breaks down the basics, so you can stop guessing and start planning.

What the PBS Actually Pays for

The PBS subsidises a set list of medicines, lamotrigine included. When you pick up a prescription at the pharmacy, you’ll pay the patient contribution amount (PCA) – the part the government doesn’t cover. For most standard patients, the PCA is around AUD $40 per prescription. If you have a concession card, seniors card, or are a low‑income earners, that amount drops to about $6.50.

Keep in mind the PCA is per prescription, not per pack. If your doctor writes a 28‑day supply, you’ll likely pay the PCA once each month. Some pharmacies offer a 56‑day pack, which means half the visits and the same PCA.

How Strength and Brand Affect What You Pay

Lamotrigine comes in 25 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets. The PBS price list groups them by strength, but the PCA stays the same across strengths. The real difference shows up in how many tablets you need per day. A 25 mg dose might need four tablets a day, while a 200 mg dose needs just one. More tablets = more trips to the pharmacy, which can add up in travel costs.

Brand‑name lamotrigine (e.g., Lamictal) can be more expensive outside the PBS, but the scheme usually covers the generic equivalent at the same PCA. Some doctors still prescribe the brand for specific reasons, so check with your pharmacist if a cheaper generic substitute is available.

Another factor is the PBS ‘safety net’. Once you’ve spent a certain amount in a calendar year (around $1,494 for general patients, $775 for concession patients), the government covers 100 % of PBS‑listed medicines for the rest of the year. If you’re on lamotrigine long‑term, hitting the safety net can mean zero out‑of‑pocket costs.

To make the most of the safety net, keep track of all your PBS prescriptions – even vitamins or cough meds count toward the total. Many pharmacies provide a print‑out of your yearly spend.

Bottom line: the price you see on the bottle isn’t the whole story. Your personal contribution, dose, and safety‑net status shape the final amount you pay.

Need more help? Talk to your pharmacist about splitting packs, using a concession card, or checking if your doctor can write a longer‑duration prescription. Small changes can keep your lamotrigine costs predictable and affordable.