Prescription medicine Australia: how prescriptions work and safe buying tips

If you need prescription medicine in Australia, knowing the rules and safe options saves time and keeps you healthy. This page explains how prescriptions work, what the PBS does, when compounding matters, and how to avoid risky online suppliers.

How prescriptions and the PBS work

Most prescription meds start with a GP or specialist. You can get a paper script or an electronic prescription sent to your chosen pharmacy. If you use Medicare, check whether the drug is on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) — that’s where many medicines are subsidised to cut your cost. Ask your doctor if a PBS-approved brand is suitable; the savings can be big.

Scripts often include repeats. If yours does, the pharmacist can dispense multiple supplies without a new doctor visit until repeats run out. If you’re unsure about repeats or dosing, ask the pharmacist to explain — they’re trained to help and can spot interactions or duplication with other meds.

Telehealth, private scripts and personal imports

Telehealth appointments are accepted for most prescriptions. Make sure the clinic is legitimate and the clinician is registered with AHPRA. Private (non-PBS) scripts are common for newer or brand-only products; these cost more but are legally valid.

If you think about importing medicine for personal use, know there are rules. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) allows some personal imports under specific limits, but you must follow TGA guidance and avoid unapproved suppliers. When in doubt, ask your local pharmacist or your prescriber how to proceed legally.

Compounded medicines (made in a pharmacy for an individual) are legit when done by licensed compounding pharmacies. If your doctor prescribes a compounded product, confirm the pharmacy is accredited and ask about sterility checks and expiry dates before you accept the medicine.

Buying online? Stick to clear safety checks: the site should require a prescription, list a real Australian address and phone number, show the pharmacist’s registration or pharmacy accreditation, and offer pharmacist consultation by phone or chat. If a site sells prescription drugs without asking for a script, don’t use it.

Watch for red flags: extremely low prices, vague supplier details, no pharmacist contact, and overseas-only domains with no Australian contact. Counterfeit or poor-quality meds can be dangerous — they may contain wrong doses or harmful ingredients.

Need specialist advice? Pharmacists can review interactions, suggest cheaper PBS options, explain side effects, and advise when to see your doctor. If you’re switching thyroid meds, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants, ask for a pharmacist-led review to manage dose changes safely.

Want more specific help? Browse our site articles on buying Escitalopram, Oxcarbazepine, thyroid switching, and safe online pharmacies. If anything seems unclear, call your GP or pharmacist first — it’s the quickest way to avoid mistakes with prescription medicine in Australia.