Unregistered Medicines (Section 29, Medicines Act 1981)

Medicines that are not registered in New Zealand by the Ministry of Health may be supplied or administered to patients, provided that it is “on the request of a medical practitioner for the treatment of a particular patient currently under that medical practitioner’s care” (Section 29 Medicines Act 1981). Information about the supply of unregistered medicines is forwarded to the Ministry of Health by the pharmacy and recorded on a database.

To comply with both the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights and the Health Information Privacy Code when prescribing an unregistered medicine, the prescriber should:

Many unregistered medicines are widely used overseas and their use is supported by clinical trials. Others are innovative and little is known about their potential adverse effects. Patients need to be advised of this. Written consent is only required if the use would be considered experimental, i.e. little or no documented support for the use.

The dispensing pharmacy records the details for each unregistered medication dispensed, including the medicine, the prescriber, and the patient's name and address. This information is supplied to the Ministry and recorded on their database. (A patient information leaflet is available regarding unregistered medicines.)

For further information about unregistered medicines, contact the Haematology Pharmacist on pager 8209.


About this Canterbury DHB document (5716):
Document Owner:	Timothy Vincent (see Who's Who)
Last Reviewed:	March 2020
Next Review:	March 2023
Keywords:
Note: Only the electronic version is controlled. Once printed, this is no longer a controlled document. Disclaimer The Haematology Department Protocols and Guidelines (the Red Book) are intended as a guide for registered health professionals to communicate guidelines and share best practices with supporting health professionals within New Zealand district health boards. They are not intended to be provided to or used as a reference for patients or non-registered health professionals. All health professionals must exercise their own clinical judgement and use pertinent clinical data when treating patients. The authors and editors of this publication have checked with sources believed to be reliable in their effort to provide information that is complete and in accord with the standards accepted at the time of publication. However, in view of the possibility of human error or changes in medical science, neither the authors, editors, publisher, nor any other party who has been involved in preparing or publishing this work warrants that the information contained in it is accurate or complete in every respect. They therefore have no liability (whether in tort (including negligence) or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising out of any reliance on this information. This publication has been compiled by the staff and contractors of Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) and as such CDHB has copyright for this book. Amendments must be authorised in accordance with the documented process. No release of part of, or all of, this publication to any other party or organisation is permissible without the prior approval of the designated document owner.
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