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What the TGA doesn't do
2 August 2012
The TGA does not regulate:
- veterinary medicines
- food
- health insurance
- cosmetics
- chemicals
- healthcare professionals.
How do I contact the appropriate agencies?
Contact information to the relevant agencies is provided below:
| Topic | Agency | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicines | Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority | +61 2 6210 4700 |
| Food | Food Standards Australia New Zealand | +61 2 6271 2222 |
| Health insurance | Australian Prudential Regulation Authority | +61 2 6215 7900 |
| Cosmetics and chemicals | Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme | 1800 638 528 |
| Most health practitioners | Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency | +61 3 9092 1995 |
What else doesn't the TGA do?
The TGA does not give clinical advice regarding medicines, health products or treatments. Please contact your health professional or the producer of the product. Alternatively you may wish to call the NPS Medicines Line 1300 633 424 (1300 MEDICINE). NPS Medicinewise collaborates with healthdirect Australia to deliver Medicines Line, a telephone service providing consumers with information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary (herbal/'natural' vitamin/mineral) medicines.
When you call 1300 MEDICINE you will speak with an experienced registered nurse. Your question may be answered on the spot, or you may be referred to your GP or pharmacist, or to another health professional. If you have a complex enquiry you may be put through to a NPS pharmacist.
The TGA is not responsible for funding the development of therapeutic goods, nor the reimbursement to patients and consumers of costs associated with the use of therapeutic goods or medical services (Department of Human Services).
The TGA does not make recommendations or decisions about the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) or provide information about what medicines are included on the PBS. For all PBS enquiries and support, call Medicare on 13 22 90.
Although the TGA does keep information relating to adverse event reports, it does not keep medical records or information on individuals - for more information see the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
The Department of Health maintains a list of links to Australian and international health-related resources.
The TGA does not supply prescription pads for healthcare professionals; please contact Medicare on 13 22 90.