Prescription & specialty medicine information for Australian patients
Understand prescription requirements, medicine quality and the pathways available for accessing specialty medicines in Australia. Learn about the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and personal importation rules.
For medical decisions, speak with your Australian-registered doctor or pharmacist.
What to check first
Before considering an overseas medicine, confirm:
- A valid Australian prescription or written authority, if required
- Whether the medicine is authorised in Australia
- Personal importation quantity limits and restrictions
- Medicine identity, packaging and supplier authenticity
Understanding medicine access in Australia
Four considerations to discuss with your Australian healthcare professional.
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Speak with your clinician
Confirm the medicine, strength and treatment plan with an Australian-registered prescriber.
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Check Australian availability
Ask whether an Australian-registered medicine or an authorised access pathway is available.
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Review import rules
Check TGA personal importation requirements, prescription documentation and any controlled-substance restrictions.
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Check product safety
Verify the manufacturer, product identity, packaging, storage requirements and suitability with your clinician.
Specialty medicine topics for Australian patients
Explore treatment areas and discuss appropriate, authorised medicine access with your healthcare professional.
Oncology
Targeted therapies, immunotherapies and other cancer medicines, and their use under specialist supervision.
Learn about this area →HIV and antiretrovirals
Antiretroviral combinations and other HIV medicines.
Learn about this area →Hepatitis and liver
Medicines used for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other liver conditions.
Learn about this area →Hematology
Medicines for blood disorders and other hard-to-find specialty needs.
Learn about this area →Molecules to research in Australian medicine access
These active ingredients are examples for educational research across oncology, blood disorders, HIV and hepatitis. Availability depends on Australian registration, prescription requirements and your clinician’s advice.
Check Australian product registration, approved indications and PBS criteria.
View DrMeds information →Research specialist prescribing and Australian funding requirements.
View DrMeds information →Check current TGA registration and clinician-led access pathways.
View DrMeds information →Research disease-specific Australian prescribing and PBS restrictions.
View DrMeds information →Check registration and subsidy criteria for relevant diagnoses.
View DrMeds information →Compare Australian prescribing information and funding pathways.
View DrMeds information →Understand the difference between generic availability and PBS access.
View DrMeds information →Research approved combinations and Australian treatment guidance.
View DrMeds information →Review combination treatments and Australian prescribing guidance.
View DrMeds information →Important: Medicine choice depends on diagnosis, clinical assessment and Australian prescribing requirements. This list is general information, not an availability statement or price offer. Submitting an enquiry does not confirm availability or an order.
For official checks, use the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Australian medicine access and safety
Australian approval, PBS listing and personal importation eligibility are different questions. Check the ARTG and ask your clinician about the options relevant to your treatment.
Questions from Australian patients
These answers summarise general TGA guidance and do not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I import prescription medicines into Australia for personal use?
Some medicines may be imported under the TGA Personal Importation Scheme if all conditions are met. Eligibility depends on the product, intended use, quantity, prescription documentation and any restrictions.
Do I need an Australian prescription?
For prescription-only medicines, the TGA generally requires a valid prescription or written authority from an Australian-registered medical practitioner at the time of importation. Check the TGA requirements for the document and medicine.
How much medicine can be imported?
The Personal Importation Scheme generally limits each eligible import to a three-month supply, with a maximum of 15 months of supply imported in a 12-month period. Some medicines are excluded or subject to additional controls.
Are overseas medicines approved by the TGA?
Not necessarily. A medicine imported through the Personal Importation Scheme may not be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), and the TGA has not evaluated that imported product for safety, quality and efficacy.
What is the difference between TGA approval and PBS funding?
The TGA regulates therapeutic goods and their inclusion in the ARTG. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a separate programme that subsidises eligible medicines. A medicine may be registered without being PBS-subsidised.
Can I import controlled medicines?
Some controlled or prohibited substances cannot be imported through the Personal Importation Scheme. Check the TGA and Office of Drug Control rules before arranging any import.
What documents and packaging should I check?
The TGA advises keeping medicines in original, identifiable packaging and having the required Australian prescription or written authority. Customs may require additional documentation.
Can DrMeds provide medical advice or guarantee delivery?
No. DrMeds provides general information about medicines and enquiry support. Your Australian healthcare professional must advise on treatment, and import eligibility, customs clearance and carrier acceptance cannot be guaranteed.
Questions about specialty medicine information?
Read the official Australian guidance and speak to your treating clinician before considering an overseas medicine.
For treatment decisions, consult your Australian-registered healthcare professional.
General information only; not medical, legal or import advice. DrMeds has offices in India, Dubai and London and does not claim TGA approval or Australian pharmacy registration. Prescription-only medicines are subject to Australian law. Submitting an enquiry does not confirm availability, import eligibility or an order.