AHPRA issues new guidance on off-label and peptide prescribing
16 Sep 2026
The guidance covers key areas including establishing a clear therapeutic need, shared decision-making, informed consent and proper record keeping. It also includes case studies designed to help practitioners review and reflect on their prescribing decisions.
AHPRA says practitioners may be investigated when prescribing or compounding scheduled medicines at unusually high rates, even when no complaint has been made.
The guidance stresses that patient demand alone is not enough to justify prescribing a medicine.
One of the case studies involves a GP working in aged care who regularly prescribed medicines outside their approved use. Another looks at a doctor prescribing several unapproved peptides promoted for purposes such as anti-ageing and faster muscle repair.
Medical Board of Australia Chair Dr Susan O’Dwyer reminded practitioners that existing professional and legal responsibilities continue to apply when using medicines outside their approved indications.
“Peptides are like other drugs: a patient may want peptides, but that doesn’t mean they need peptides,” she said.
She said practitioners should use their clinical judgement, skills and experience when deciding whether treatment is appropriate for a patient.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright welcomed the guidance, saying some medicines are prescribed outside Medicare consultations and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, creating gaps in oversight.
He said the new case studies could help GPs understand what poor prescribing practice may look like and the possible consequences for their registration and professional work.
The guidance comes as use of peptides continues to attract attention in Australia, including reports of serious harm linked to unapproved or counterfeit products.
AHPRA has also confirmed it will release further guidance on conflicts of interest and information for patients about what to expect from telehealth.
AHPRA Chief Executive Justin Untersteiner has warned Australians against using black-market peptides or relying on advice from online influencers without appropriate clinical knowledge.
He said registered health practitioners should use sound clinical judgement and provide care that meets professional standards.
AHPRA issues new guidance on off-label and peptide prescribing
Source: AHPRA; RACGP newsGP.