Leading doctors are directly lobbying the Federal Government to scrap new restrictions stopping GPs from initiating PBS scripts for Flixotide Junior and Axotide Junior in young children.

The rules — which were introduced with no warning on 1 April — have alarmed clinicians amid fears they will lead to poor outcomes in those under six with uncontrolled asthma.

It means only respiratory physicians and paediatricians are allowed to initiate PBS scripts for fluticasone propionate 50µg per actuation inhalation, 120 actuations. 

The PBS listing for the medication was also moved to authority required, while PBS subsidies for children aged six or older were scrapped.