The Poisons Standard

All poisons (including medicines- poisons with therapeutic uses) are classified into schedules in Australian law under the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP).  The standard also includes regulations relating to the labelling, storage and supply of these poisons.  The standard is very specific giving details right down to the font, size and colour of the warning labels required.

There are 9 Schedules within the standard, however from a pharmacists perspective only Schedules 2,3,4 and 8 are of any real importance.

Schedule 1: Is Empty
Schedule 2: Pharmacy Medicines
Schedule 3: Pharmacist Only Medicines
Schedule 4: Prescription Only Medicines
Schedule 5: Caution
Schedule 6: Poisons
Schedule 7: Dangerous Poisons
Schedule 8: Controlled Drugs
Schedule 9: Prohibited Substances

There are also 12 appendices covering such topics as exemptions, warnings first aid instructions and other requirements and conditions.

Schedule 2 poisons or Pharmacy Medicines should only be available from a pharmacy where a pharmacist is available to provide clinical advice if needed.  An exemption applies to their supply in which a non-pharmacist can get a license to supply these medicines as part of a retail business if there is a physical need, such as no pharmacies being present in a 25km radius.

Schedule 3 poisons or Pharmacist Only Medicines can only be supplied by a pharmacist as adequate written or verbal information must be provide at the time of supply.  The container must also be labelled with the name of the pharmacist making the supply or the name and the address of the chemist from which it was supplied.  Records should also be kept of all such sales.

Schedule 4 poisons or Prescription Only Medicines can only be provided by a pharmacist on the presentation of a legal prescription.  An exemption can be made for patients currently treated on a Schedule 4 poison where continuation of treatment is essential but a prescription cannot be immediately obtained.  In such a situation a pharmacist may supply a maximum of 3 days supply.

All these medicines can also be provided by appropriate medical practioners and the regulations stated above do not apply to wholesale trade.

Schedule 8 poisons or Controlled Drugs are similar to Schedule 4 poisons, only stricter regulations on storage and supply exist.

Adam