Important Considerations for Prescribing Alternative Medicines
Prescribing alternative medicines in Australia is a task that requires careful consideration, sound clinical judgment, and an understanding of the regulatory requirements that govern these products. With the rapid development of interest in alternative medicines, patients often seek guidance from clinicians on the best way ahead. Therefore, it is vital that prescribers not only understand the clinical obligations but also the practical factors that affect responsible prescribing.
It is important to note that prescribing alternative therapies in Australia starts from the regulatory bodies. Governing entities such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration and AHPRA create distinct guidelines for prescribers on how they should prescribe alternative medicines (TGA 2022, AHPRA 2020). We’ll explore more of these guidelines further on within the post.
Evidence & Clinical Rationale
When it comes to prescribing or even recommending alternative medicines, it is vital that clinicians base their decisions on credible, evidence-informed information. Research within the alternative medicine space continues to expand. However, the level of evidence may widely vary. A prescriber must familiarise themselves with the latest peer-reviewed studies and exercise sound clinical judgement to balance potential benefits with known risks (NHMRC 2019).
Sometimes high-quality evidence is limited. Here, clear documentation of the clinical reasoning behind a prescribing decision is vital. This includes outlining expected outcomes, verifying the patient’s medical history including previous medications, highlighting potential treatment limitations, and obtaining informed consent from the patient as well as a written approval from other specialists pertaining to the health condition (AHPRA 2020, NHMRC 2018).
Product Quality & Consistency
Quality and consistency are important considerations when choosing alternative medicine products for patients. However, a clinician’s primary responsibility sits with ensuring clinical justification, accurate understanding of the active ingredients, and therapeutic outcomes for each patient. Prescribers should verify the active constituents of any medicine, understand how these may affect and interact with a patient’s symptoms and current treatment, and confirm there is sound rationale for prescribing.
While product manufacturing standards and batch consistency are regulated through the TGA, clinicians should be aware of the therapeutic profile and nature of the medicines they intend to prescribe (TGA 2022).
Patient Communication & Informed Consent
Effectively communicating with the patient forms a key role when it comes to safe prescribing. Due to the relative novelty of the alternative medicines industry within Australia, patients who seek these therapies out may have differing expectations, often influenced by anecdotal reports. It is a clinician’s responsibility to provide balanced and factual information such as known benefits, potential risks, and any contraindications.
Discussion around what is currently known and what remains unclear also helps build trust and supports patient-centred decision making. Informed consent should always be obtained, especially with documentation that the patient understands the nature of the therapy. Furthermore, delivering clear instructions to the patients on dosage, titration, intervals, and potential side effects is also vital in empowering patient-centred decision making (ACSQHC 2019).
Monitoring
When it comes to alternative medicine therapies, as is the case with any form of therapy, ongoing monitoring is crucial within the patient experience. Clinicians should schedule regular follow-ups to assess progress, monitor symptoms and side-effects, and review the ongoing need for therapy. The TGA recommends routine follow-ups once every three months after a stable outcome has been achieved until prescription renewal. In cases where patients are using conventional medication in conjunction with natural medicines, a careful review of potential interactions is required to ensure safety.
Documenting all prescribed and over-the-counter products helps maintain clear communication across the patient’s care team and supports coordinated, evidence-based care (ACSQHC 2019).
Regulatory & Professional Obligations
AHPRA guidelines state that clinicians must not make unsubstantiated claims about the efficacy of any alternative medicine therapies (AHPRA 2020). This holds true for advertising and patient communications as well - they must not imply a guaranteed outcome or use language that could be seen as misleading.
The TGA regulates the manufacture, import, and advertising of therapeutic goods in Australia. Only products that have been approved by the TGA can be supplied, and clinicians must not promote products that are not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
It is also widely encouraged that clinicians review professional guidance provided by their respective boards and associations to ensure prescribing remains compliant with federal and professional standards.
Conclusion
Prescribing alternative medicines in Australia requires a balanced, informed, and regulatory-aligned approach. It is important that clinicians consider both the clinical and ethical responsibilities that come with these therapies, including assessing active ingredients, ensuring a clear therapeutic rationale, and supporting patient understanding.
References
AHPRA 2020, Code of Conduct & Advertising Guidelines, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
ACSQHC 2019, National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
NHMRC 2018, National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, National Health and Medical Research Council.
NHMRC 2019, Guidelines for Clinical Practice and Evidence-Based Decision Making.
TGA 2022, Regulation of Therapeutic Goods in Australia & Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), Therapeutic Goods Administration.
More About Us
At Legacy Botanical, we support prescribers with evidence-based alternative medications that are rigorously tested, clinically trusted, and ethically produced. Our products are designed to integrate seamlessly into treatment plans, offering natural therapeutic options backed by scientific research.
We provide prescribers with comprehensive resources, education, and ongoing support to ensure confidence in prescribing and to help optimise patient care. For more information about our quality processes or to learn more about how we operate within regulatory frameworks, you can contact us at info@legacybotanical.com.