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Drugs and poisons - regulations
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Drugs and poisons are substances defined by law and controlled by the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 and the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2006.
These substances include:
- Medicines available with a doctor’s prescription
- Medicines only available from a pharmacy
- Drugs of dependence
- Many household, industrial and agricultural chemicals
- Veterinary medicines only available from a veterinary practitioner.
Drugs and poisons have benefits but may cause harm
Drugs have a wide variety of effects. They have benefits but can also cause harm. For example, incorrect use may lead to:
- Injury
- Illness
- Dependence (from some drugs)
- Death.
Harm from drugs and poisons has many causes
Drugs and poisons can cause harm in many ways. This may be caused by:
- Errors or contamination during manufacture, storage and distribution
- Incorrect or inadequate labelling and packaging
- Incorrect, inappropriate or excessive prescribing
- Incorrect, inappropriate or excessive use.
Preventing harm from drugs and poisons
The Drugs and Poisons Regulation Group is a program area of the Department of Health Victoria that helps protect the health of the public. It uses a variety of strategies and regulations to ensure drugs and poisons are used correctly and to minimise or deter the likelihood of misuse and abuse.
For instance, the Group:
- Issues licences and permits which limit the manufacture, distribution, purchase and use of drugs and poisons to properly trained and equipped people.
- Administers standards for the labelling and packaging of drugs and poisons that are intended to protect the public from harm.
- Issues permits to doctors to coordinate the treatment of patients who are receiving drugs of dependence on prescription.
- Oversees prescribing of drugs in the community and health services and supply by pharmacists.
- Investigates potential breaches of drugs and poisons legislation, and prosecutes when necessary.
Help for accidental poisoning and drug overdose
The Victorian Poisons Information Centre can provide help and information about accidental poisoning or overdose. Phone the Victorian Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In an emergency, dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
How to get information about drugs and poisons
The Drugs and Poisons Regulation Group of the Department of Health Victoria can provide information on:
- Labelling and packaging
- Licences for manufacturers and wholesalers
- Permits to obtain drugs and poisons for industrial, educational and research purposes, and for providing health services
- Drug prescribing and supply by health professionals including doctors, pharmacists, veterinary practitioners, optometrists, dentists and nurse practitioners
- Permits to treat drug-dependent persons
- Notification of supply of unusually large quantities of drugs for any individual
- Notification of theft or loss of drugs and poisons or records from industry, research organisations and health services
- Use of standing orders in hospitals.
Where to get help
- In an emergency, dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
- Victorian Poisons Information Centre Tel. 13 11 26 – seven days a week, 24 hours a day – for advice when poisoning or suspected poisoning occurs and poisoning prevention information
- DirectLine – for counselling or information about the treatment of drug-dependence Tel. 1800 888 236
- National Prescribing Service, Medicines Line – for independent information about prescribed, over-the-counter and natural or herbal medicines Tel. 1300 888 763
- Drugs and Poisons Regulation Group – for advice on implementation of legislation associated with drugs and poisons Tel. 1300 364 545
- Medicare Australia – for information on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Tel. 132 290
- Your doctor
- Your pharmacist
Things to remember
- Drugs and poisons are strictly regulated by law in Victoria.
- The laws cover prescription and pharmacy-only drugs, drugs of dependence, and many household, industrial and agricultural chemicals.
- Information and advice on drug legislation is readily available.
- In case of accidental poisoning, contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre.
You might also be interested in:
Birth defects - drugs and medications.
Medicines - safety issues.
Medicines and side effects.
Prescription medicines.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
Department of Health - Drugs and Poisons Regulation Group
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Copyight © 1999/2010 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
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This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
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Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last updated: September 2008
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The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
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