Scheduling of medicines and poisons

Key facts All medicines and poisons in Australia are classified by how freely they are made available to the public. Medicines with a low safety risk are usually less tightly controlled than medicines that have a higher safety risk. This system of categorising medicines is called ‘scheduling’. Medicines with a lower safety risk may be available at a supermarket or at a pharmacy without a prescription. Medicines considered higher risk may be available only with a prescription from your doctor. Why is the schedule important? The schedule is designed to protect public health and safety. Some medicines have a higher