Medications not allowed in Australia
Australia has strict regulations regarding the importation of medicines and substances. The Australian Border Force and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provide comprehensive information on the medicines and substances that are prohibited or restricted for import and export.
List of Medications Not Allowed in Australia
Here is a table summarizing the information on the list of medicines not allowed in Australia:
| Medications | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mifepristone (RU486) | Prohibited for import and export |
| Yohimbine | Prohibited for import and export |
| Aminophenazone | Prohibited for import and export |
| Amidopyrine | Prohibited for import and export |
| Aminopyrine | Prohibited for import and export |
| Dipyrone | Prohibited for import and export |
| Amygdalin/Laetrile | Prohibited for import and export |
| Morphine | Prescription medication that is restricted for import and export |
| Oxycodone | Prescription medication that is restricted for import and export |
| Methadone | Prescription medication that is restricted for import and export |
| Methylphenidate | Prescription medication that is restricted for import and export |
| Adderall | Prescription medication that is restricted for import and export |
| Benzodiazepines | Prescription medication that is restricted for import and export |
Here is an overview of the regulations and the list of medicines and substances not allowed in Australia.
Prohibited Medicines and Substances
The Australian Border Force website provides a list of medicines and substances that are prohibited or restricted for import and export. This includes a range of substances such as abortifacients (e.g., mifepristone – RU486), yohimbe (yohimbine), aminophenazone, amidopyrine, aminopyrine, dipyrone, and amygdalin/laetrile. Additionally, prescription medicines such as morphine, oxycodone, methadone, methylphenidate, Adderall®, and benzodiazepines are also covered by the regulations.
We also recommend reading our pages on Best time to visit Australia and What to bring to Australia
Travelling with Medicines
Under the traveller’s exemption, many medicines and medical devices can be brought into Australia, as long as certain rules are followed. The traveller’s exemption allows individuals to bring certain medicines into Australia for personal use or for the use of an immediate family member travelling with them. However, it is important to note that some medicines require a permit or prescription, and others cannot be brought into the country at all.
Entering Australia
When entering Australia, it is essential to be aware of the regulations regarding the importation of medicines and medical devices. The traveller’s exemption covers a range of medicines, including those that lower blood cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose, and/or gastric acid, contraception medicines, antibiotics, blood glucose monitoring devices, and medications to aid sleep (sedatives). However, it is against the law to bring medicines and medical devices into Australia to give to someone else.
Where can I get OTC medication in Australia?
In Australia, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available without a doctor’s prescription and can be obtained from various retail outlets, including pharmacies, drug stores, supermarkets, and health food stores. These OTC medicines have undergone a full pre-market evaluation of their safety, quality, and efficacy by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Some examples of OTC drugs commonly available in Australia include pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, allergy medications, digestive aids, and complementary or alternative medicines.
The key distribution channels for OTC healthcare products in Australia are drug stores & pharmacies, hypermarkets & supermarkets, and online retailers. It’s important to note that codeine is only available on prescription in Australia as of February 2018. Additionally, under the traveller’s exemption, many medicines and medical devices can be brought into Australia for personal use, as long as certain rules are followed.
Before using OTC medicines, it’s essential to consider the risks and benefits, and it’s advisable to speak to a pharmacist for healthcare advice. It’s also important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative or complementary medicines, to avoid potential interactions and side effects.
Conclusion
Australia has stringent regulations governing the importation of medicines and substances. The country maintains a list of prohibited or restricted medicines and substances, and individuals need to be aware of these regulations when travelling to or from Australia. The traveller’s exemption allows for the importation of certain medicines for personal use, but it is crucial to adhere to the rules and requirements outlined by the Australian Border Force and the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
