Asthma sufferers get cheaper drugs

Asthma sufferers will get some relief in the government's mid-year budget update with the announcement of $130 million in federal funding to subsidise two medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

From February 2017, Spiriva Respimat and Nucala will be subsidised for four years, for some of the 2.5 million people in Australia who suffer the chronic respiratory condition.

Health Minister Sussan Ley said the subsidy for Spiriva Respimat will save patients around $700 a year, benefiting approximately26,000 people in 2017. Nucala will be added to the PBS from January 1.