Published: August 2009

Publications

Use of unapproved medicines in New Zealand

Information on this subject has been updated. Read the most recent information.

Prescriber Update 30(3): 21
August 2009

Prescribers may be aware that Section 25 of the Medicines Act 1981 permits practitioners to procure for sale or supply any medicine for a particular patient in their care. In addition, Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 enables a New Zealand company to obtain and supply an unapproved medicine when authorised by a prescriber.

Prescribers are reminded, however, that unapproved medicines supplied under Section 29 of the Act are not regulated by Medsafe. This means a data sheet is normally not available on the Medsafe website for these medicines. Prescribers should be aware that Medsafe dose not normally monitor the safety of these medicines or issue warnings about new safety issues.

It is the prescriber's responsibility to ensure that they remain cognisant of any safety issues relating to any unapproved medicines they may be prescribing and communicate the risks and benefits to their patients. Medsafe has a number of links on its website that healthcare professionals may find helpful. These links can be found at: www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/RIss/unapp.asp