Australian medicine supplies remain strong, however there has been an increasing demand in recent weeks. As a result, some community pharmacies have reported strain on supply of some medicines.
Earlier today, the Minister for Health announced that in response to these challenges and to support vulnerable Australians relying on these medicines – new limits would be enforced.
Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz said the Australian Government, Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia had worked together and are now requiring community pharmacists to enforce new limits on dispensing and sales of prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
“This means, those in the Lockyer Valley | Scenic Rim | Logan that rely on medicines such as ventolin and other over-the-counter medicines will be able to access them.
“It is not helpful to panic buy – for anyone. If someone needs childrens paracetamol and it’s all been sold out – that will put greater pressure on our health system.
“Right now, all governments are making a coordinated effort to minimise the impact on our health system, slow the spread and save lives.
“We need all residents to adhere to these new restrictions, only buy what you need, in terms of medicines, foods and other health products – and leave the rest for someone else,” Mr Buchholz said.
From today:
- pharmacists will be required to limit dispensing of certain prescription products to one month’s supply at the prescribed dose, and sales of certain over-the-counter medicines to a maximum of one unit per purchase
- pharmacists will be strongly encouraged to limit dispensing and sales of all other medicines to one month’s supply or one unit
- salbutamol (Ventolin, Asmol and Airomir puffers) inhalers provided on an over-the-counter basis will be subject to new enhanced controls, including requiring pharmacists to confirm that supply is appropriate by confirmation of the patient’s diagnosis and need for supply
- pharmacists will be required to locate some medicines, including children’s paracetamol formulations, from front of shop to behind the pharmacy counter to assist in allocating supply equitably.
In addition, only one salbutamol (Ventolin, Asmol and Airomir puffers) or children’s paracetamol paediatric product should be supplied per customer.
Mr Buchholz said these temporary limits will be reviewed at an appropriate stage in the future.
More information is available on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.
