Differences between Pharmacy Medicines (S2) and Pharmacist Only Medicines (S3)

Given the changes to the scheduling of combination analgesics containing codeine, the below information outlines the key differences between Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines.

PHARMACY MEDICINES AND PHARMACIST ONLY MEDICINES

Pharmacy Medicines (also known as S2 medicines) — Substances, the safe use of which may require advice from a pharmacist and which should be available from a pharmacy or, where a pharmacy service is not available, from a licensed person.

Pharmacy Medicines are products for therapeutic use:

• which are substantially safe in use but where advice or counselling is available if necessary
• for minor ailments or symptoms which —
   — can be easily recognised by the consumer
   — do not require medical diagnosis or management.

Pharmacist Only Medicines (also known as S3 medicines) — Substances, the safe use of which requires professional advice but which should be available to the public from a pharmacist without a prescription.

Pharmacist Only Medicines are products for therapeutic use:
  which are substantially safe in use but require professional advice or counselling by a pharmacist
  the use of which requires pharmacist advice, management or monitoring
  — which are for ailments which —
      — can be identified by the consumer and verified by a pharmacist
      — do not require medical diagnosis or only require initial medical diagnosis,
         and do not require close medical management.

STORAGE AND SUPPLY

It should be noted that from 1 May 2010, no combination analgesics containing codeine will remain as Pharmacy Medicines.

Regulations regarding the storage and supply of Pharmacy Medicines and Pharmacist Only Medicines may vary between the States and Territories, however, in general:

Pharmacy Medicines: The storage and supply of Pharmacy Medicines must be such that public access to advice from a pharmacist is available, if required.

Pharmacist Only Medicines: The storage of Pharmacist Only Medicines must be such that the public does not have access for self-selection.

The pharmacist must be involved in the supply of Pharmacist Only Medicines. In some jurisdictions, the pharmacist may be required to record supply and/or to label the container. It is important to be aware of the requirements for your State or Territory.

PROMOTION AND ADVERTISING

Pharmacy Medicines: In accordance with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2007, direct to consumer promotion / advertising is permitted for Pharmacy Medicines.

Pharmacist Only Medicines: Promotional or advertising material relating to Pharmacist Only Medicines is only permitted for drugs that are listed in Appendix H of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP). Codeine is not listed and therefore combination analgesics containing codeine cannot be advertised from 1 May 2010. This includes advertising such as TV, radio, catalogues, posters and in-store promotion. Make sure any of your pharmacy’s advertising or promotional materials (including price lists) are in line with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code available from www.tgacc.com.au

Source: http://www.tga.gov.au/ndpsc/susdp.htm Source: http://www.asmi.com.au/documents/About/2009%20ASMI%20Code%20of%20Practice%20.pdf Source: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Comlaw/Legislation/LegislativeInstrument1.nsf/0/6826E47AC6
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