Medical Board to Release New Guidance on Off-Label Prescribing
28 Jul 2026
The Board said the guidance is being developed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It will clarify doctors' responsibilities when prescribing off-label, unapproved and compounded medicines.
Medical Board Chair Dr Susan O'Dwyer said patient interest in peptides has grown rapidly, creating pressure on some practitioners to meet demand.
The Board warned that some patients are buying unapproved peptides online without proper medical advice, while others are receiving prescriptions that are not supported by clinical evidence or genuine medical need.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said GPs are increasingly discussing peptides with patients and welcomed the upcoming guidance. He said doctors should only prescribe these products when there is strong clinical evidence and a clear medical reason.
Dr Wright also encouraged patients to seek advice from registered health practitioners, who can explain the potential risks and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Concerns about peptides have increased in recent months, including following an ABC Four Corners investigation that highlighted how easily some products could be accessed through telehealth clinics. The TGA has also made unapproved peptides a compliance priority for 2026 and has issued warnings to practitioners involved in prescribing, compounding or supplying these products.
The Medical Board reminded practitioners that patient demand does not replace professional responsibilities. It said off-label prescribing should only occur after a thorough clinical assessment, informed consent and proper documentation.
The new guidance will reinforce existing professional standards rather than introduce new rules. Doctors must continue to comply with Medical Board codes and guidelines, TGA requirements, and state and territory medicines legislation.
Professor Robyn Langham, the TGA's Chief Medical Adviser, has also warned that unapproved peptides can cause serious health problems, including severe allergic reactions and inflammatory responses requiring intensive care.
A release date for the new guidance has not yet been announced.
Medical Board to Release New Guidance on Off-Label Prescribing
Source: Medical Board of Australia, Ahpra and newsGP.