Medicines shortages and discontinuations

The Medication Safety Standard requires health organisations to consider safety implications when there is a shortage or discontinuation of a medicine and implement strategies to reduce risk. 

Some of these strategies can include conserving medicines and considering approved alternatives.

Where do I go to understand if a medicine is in short supply, discontinued or recalled?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is responsible for receiving and publishing reports on shortages and discontinuations of prescription and certain over-the-counter medicines, along with publishing alerts on product recalls.

When a medicine supply disruption poses a significant risk to safety and quality and requires a national response, we collaborate with the TGA and Australian states and territories to provide safety guidance.

Advice and resources for medicines supply disruptions

We have a range of resources that:

1. have information about medicines supply disruptions
2. outline the actions required to minimise risks
3. provide guidance and tools to minimise risk, including conserving medicines.