NZMA Supports Regulation of all Medications
‘It is important that any medication which could have potential effects on the health of patients, including
over-the-counter medication, should be adequately regulated,’ says NZMA chairman Dr Tricia Briscoe. ‘Standards of safety
and efficacy for complementary medicines should be the same as for prescription drugs.’
‘The suspension of Pan Pharmaceuticals’ licence and the recall of 219 of its products by the Australian Therapeutic
Goods Administration demonstrate the importance of Trans Tasman regulation and the existence of a common system to
ensure effective regulation.’
‘The NZMA supports a regulatory framework that safeguards patient interests and wellbeing and applies a consistent and
safe approach in the prescribing, advertising, labelling of and access to complementary medicines, including dietary
supplements,’ says Dr Briscoe.
‘The NZMA believes that the use of complementary medicines and dietary supplements is widespread and that aspects of
evidence based complementary medicines may now have a role in mainstream medical practice. Patients have the right to be
protected from exploitation, so it is vitally important that such medicines should be subject to the same scientific
testing as conventional drugs. If this does not happen, those promoting alternative treatments should not make unproven
claims about their efficacy or exclude relevant information about the expected benefits, side effects and risks.’