What this instrument does
The Therapeutic Goods (Serious Scarcity and Substitutable Medicine) (Dapsone) Instrument 2026 is a federal legal instrument that declares a serious scarcity of Dapsone, a medicine. The instrument permits pharmacists to substitute Dapsone with an alternative medicine without requiring a new prescription from the prescriber.
Key details
- Medicine declared scarce: Dapsone
- Substitution permitted: Yes, under the conditions set out in the instrument
- Commencement date: 13 August 2026
- Administering department: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Expiry: The source does not specify when the instrument expires
What the instrument sets out
The instrument specifies the following in its schedules:
- Schedule 1 - the specific substitutable medicine that may be dispensed in place of Dapsone, and the dose unit equivalence requirements that apply
- Schedule 2 - the general permitted circumstances that must be present before a pharmacist is allowed to make a substitution
The substitution is only permitted where the circumstances listed in the instrument are met. The source does not name the exact substitutable medicine permitted.
Key actions
- Read the full instrument at legislation.gov.au/F2026L01050 to confirm which medicine can be substituted for Dapsone, the dose equivalence rules, and the permitted circumstances listed in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2.
- Check Schedule 1 of the instrument for the specific substitutable medicine and dose unit equivalence requirements before dispensing any substitution.
- Check Schedule 2 for the general permitted circumstances that must be met before a substitution can be made.
- Set up an alert for this title on the Federal Register of Legislation at legislation.gov.au to receive notification if the instrument is amended or repealed.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.