Decision tree
Heading
I think my product is a medicine
Body
The TGA takes a risk-based approach to regulation. There are a number of different medicine types which are regulated depending on the level of risk they pose to human health. Use the below information to determine what type of medicine you are dealing with:
- Sunscreens that are used primarily for protection from UV radiation with SPF 4 or more and secondary sunscreens (insect repellents with SPF4 or more and moisturisers containing sunscreen with SPF 15 or more) are regulated therapeutic goods.
- Complementary medicines are generally herbal or 'traditional' medicines, including vitamins and homeopathic products.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can generally be purchased without a prescription from a pharmacy or in some cases from the supermarket.
- Biological medicines are derived from biological sources including proteins and polysaccharides and are regulated as registered prescription medicines.
- Generic prescription medicines are an additional brand of an existing prescription medicine. They contain the same active ingredient (the chemical that makes the medicine work) as the existing medicine. Generic brands must also be 'bioequivalent'.
- Other prescription medicines includes all other medicines that require a prescription from a registered health care practitioner.
Question
Based on the above definitions, what type of medicine do you think your product is?