Asthma sufferers get cheaper drugs

Asthma sufferers will get some relief in the government's mid-year budget update with almost $130 million in drug subsidies.

From February 1, 2017 people with severe uncontrolled asthma will get subsidised access to the medicine Spiriva Respimat, which otherwise would cost people more than $700 a year.

The government is also adding another medicine, Nucala, to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for patients with persistent airway inflammation to access from January 1.