Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is Australia's regulatory authority for therapeutic goods.
The TGA makes sure that all therapeutic goods sold in Australia are safe. This includes medications, medical devices and other health-related products. In addition, the TGA controls how those products are manufactured and advertised.
Visit the TGA website If you would like to know more.
TGA regulations
Your medication falls under the category of "unapproved therapeutic goods" in Australia. This means it has not been evaluated by the TGA and can only be accessed in certain circumstances. Health practitioners can prescribe unapproved therapeutic goods to patients through the Special Access Scheme (SAS) or the Authorised Prescriber (AP) scheme.
Doctors registered as Authorised Prescribers (AP) means they have approval to prescribe certain products without having to notify the TGA each time. This greatly reduces the waiting time and ensures medication arrives sooner.
The Special Access Scheme (SAS) requires the doctor to apply to the TGA to prescribe certain products on a case-by-case basis. You will then need to wait for the SAS approval for your prescription before uMeds can process your first order.
SAS approval
When your alternative health doctor creates your prescription, a SAS application is automatically submitted to the TGA if needed. The TGA handles all SAS approvals, and depending on demand, they can take anywhere from 5 to 7 business days to process. Unfortunately, we cannot expedite this and neither can your doctor. You’ll receive an email once your application has been approved.
You can still place an order through uMeds, but it won't begin processing until we receive the SAS approval. Once approved, your order will process automatically, and no further action is required from you.
This may affect only your first order from a new prescription, any repeat orders will process as normal. Please note that SAS approval requirements may vary with different doctors and products, so if you've previously received a prescription without needing SAS approval, that could change.
Discounts
uMeds doesn’t offer discounts on medication, with the exception of eligible concession card holders. Similar to other prescribed medications, there are limitations in place around when and how discounts can be applied.
This means that uMeds are unable to offer discounts on medication as compensation for any issues that may arise. Other forms of compensation may be an option, but this is decided by our internal escalations team on a case-by-case basis.
Vaping devices
Due to recent legislative changes, only TGA-registered devices that are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) are available for sale. All other devices, including batteries for vape carts are no longer available and have been removed from the ordering portal.
Currently only the Storz & Bickel Mighty Medic is available to purchase through uMeds.
Unfortunately, we are unable to give you specific information on where you can buy these devices. We suggest you have a discussion with your pharmacist around how to get the right device for your medication.
Products
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide pricing or information on brands or products that are not specifically prescribed to you.
If you would like to know more about alternative medications or formulations, please discuss your options with your alternative health doctor during your next consultation.