Australian laws place controls on the advertising, prescribing and supply of certain medicines. Where a product requires a prescription or another lawful verification step, the order cannot proceed until the applicable requirement has been satisfied.
Prescription medicines and public advertising
Australian law generally prohibits advertising prescription-only medicines to the public, subject to limited exceptions and specific rules such as compliant price lists. Product listings and promotional content must be reviewed against current Therapeutic Goods Administration requirements.
When a prescription may be required
If a medicine is prescription-only or otherwise restricted for the relevant supply location, a valid prescription or authorised prescribing process may be required before supply. The exact requirement depends on the medicine, jurisdiction, prescriber and dispensing arrangements.
Verification checks
Lawful supply can also require checks relating to identity, age, prescription validity, quantity, destination, product restrictions or other regulatory conditions. We may hold an order while required information is reviewed.
Information we may request
Only information reasonably needed for the order or verification process should be requested. Do not send unnecessary health information, passwords or full payment-card details by ordinary email or WhatsApp. Where health or prescription information is collected, it should be handled consistently with the Privacy Policy and applicable Australian privacy requirements.
If a requirement cannot be met
If a product cannot lawfully be supplied, advertised, imported or delivered in the circumstances, the affected item or order may need to be changed or cancelled. Any payment adjustment or refund will depend on the order status, payment method and applicable consumer rights.
No clinical assessment by website content
Search results, product descriptions and checkout screens do not determine whether a medicine is clinically suitable for an individual. Personal suitability should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
The exact authorisations and workflow needed to supply regulated medicines depend on the business model and jurisdiction. This policy should be reviewed against the store’s actual licences, prescribing/dispensing arrangements and current Australian law before publication.
Australian resource
See the TGA guidance on prescription-medicine advertising restrictions.