AMA submission to the TGA on proposals to add controls on pharmacists dispensing newly down-scheduled S3 medicines

The AMA does not support the down-scheduling of medicines unless there is strong evidence it is safe to do so, and there is demonstrated patient benefit and safety in dispensing the medication by this method. If additional supply requirements or controls are required for pharmacists to safely dispense a medicine, then it is – by definition – unsafe and inappropriate to down-schedule that medicine. The AMA therefore does not consider the criteria proposed in the new Appendix M of the Poisons Schedule to be sufficient to protect public safety.