What regulations are there for medicines?

Online pharmacies offer many benefits, but it is important to be cautious when purchasing medicine or other therapeutic goods. There is a chance you could lose your money, violate the law, or cause serious harm to your health if you purchase from an international website.

Legally, medicines are called 'therapeutic products'. They must be approved and assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration before they can be sold in Australia or on websites owned by Australian companies.

The TGA inspects the quality of therapeutic products to ensure that they are safe and do what they are supposed. The TGA inspects the quality of medicines as well as other goods.

• Bandages, pregnancy tests, artificial hips, and knees
• Supplemental medicines, which include vitamins
• Sunscreen and other sun protection products

The TGA does not regulate online purchases of medicines or medical devices. TGA does not regulate protein supplements. These are often considered food and not therapeutic goods.

Prescription medicine purchase in Australia

Some medicines in Australia are only available on prescription. This is because doctors and other medical professionals must verify that you need them and then advise you how to safely take them. Side effects can occur and medicines can interact.

What are the advantages of ordering prescription medications online?

Sometimes, buying medicines online is cheaper and easier than going to a local pharmacy.

What are the potential risks associated with buying prescriptions online?

You could endanger your health and your finances if you order medicines or other therapeutic products online from an outside source.

Your health is at risk

You might be able to order the following product:

• Fake
• You can have too many or too few active ingredients
• may contain dangerous or toxic ingredients
• contiennent ingredients that are prohibited in Australia
• out of date

Your money could be lost

It is possible that the medicines will never reach their destination. It could be that the Australian customs stopped them because they contained ingredients you aren't allowed to import.

You might not be covered by Australian consumer laws if you make a purchase from an international business.

Online pharmacy and the law

Some medicines such as steroids or antibiotics can be illegally imported.

How can you buy medicines online?

Before you buy medicines online, make sure that the pharmacy is located in Australia.

Websites should include a physical address in Australia, email address and a working telephone number. Additional information about the company such as an Australian Business Number (ABN) is also required. You should also ensure that you are able to ask questions via the phone.

You will need to check if you are required to submit a prescription. Australian pharmacies will only sell prescription Canada Drugs online if you have a valid Australian prescription.