Aripiprazole PBS Price: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been prescribed aripiprazole for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression, the first thing on your mind is likely the price. In Australia, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises many medicines, including aripiprazole, which can dramatically cut what you pay at the pharmacy. Let’s break down the current PBS price, how co‑payments are calculated, and what you can do to keep costs low.

How the PBS Covers Aripiprazole

The PBS lists both the brand version (Abilify) and the generic equivalents. The scheme reduces the retail price to a set PBS price, and you only pay the co‑payment amount, which is the difference between the PBS price and the government‑set safety net threshold. As of 2025, the PBS price for a 30‑day supply of aripiprazole 10 mg tablets is around AUD 30, meaning most patients pay the standard co‑payment of about AUD 8.30.

Brand vs Generic: Does It Matter?

Generic aripiprazole costs the same under the PBS as the brand name because the subsidy is applied to the listed PBS price, not the market price. However, if you buy the drug outside the PBS (e.g., from an overseas online pharmacy), you might see a larger price swing. Sticking to a PBS‑approved pharmacy ensures you get the subsidy and protects you from counterfeit products.

Eligibility for the PBS discount depends on a valid prescription from a qualified prescriber and your enrolment in the national health system. If you’re a concession card holder, your co‑payment can be as low as AUD 2.30 per prescription. The PBS safety net also kicks in after you’ve spent a certain amount in a calendar year, granting you further discounts for the rest of the year.

To verify the exact price you’ll pay, you can use the PBS Check tool on the government website or simply ask your pharmacist. They’ll look up the PBS schedule code (usually S437 for aripiprazole) and show you the current co‑payment. Prices can change with the annual PBS update, so it’s worth checking each year.

If you’re worried about the cost, here are a few quick tips:

• Ask your doctor if a lower strength or alternate dosing schedule fits your treatment – fewer tablets can mean a lower co‑payment.
• Make sure you have a valid concession card if you qualify; the reduction is significant.
• Use the PBS safety net if you’ve reached the threshold – it’ll lower future co‑payments.
• Never purchase medication from non‑PBS sources without confirming it’s legitimate and safe.

Remember, the PBS doesn’t cover everything. If you need a higher dose not listed on the PBS schedule, you may have to pay the full retail price. In such cases, discuss with your prescriber whether a dose adjustment or alternative medication could bring you back under the PBS umbrella.

Finally, keep an eye on the PBS updates released each March. New listings, price changes, or safety net adjustments can affect your out‑of‑pocket cost. Staying informed helps you avoid surprises at the pharmacy counter.

Aripiprazole is an effective mood‑stabilising drug, and the PBS makes it affordable for most Australians. By understanding how the scheme works, checking the PBS price, and using available discounts, you can focus on your health rather than the bill.