FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#11 - Flipbook - Page 11
Complementary medicines
have gained popularity among
Australians who wish to support
their health naturally.
What Are Complementary Medicines?
Complementary medicines encompass a wide range of
products, including vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies,
essen琀椀al oils, and dietary supplements. They’re typically
used alongside conven琀椀onal treatments to promote
wellbeing or address speci昀椀c health concerns. Common
examples include echinacea for immune support, 昀椀sh oil
for heart health, and chamomile for relaxa琀椀on.
How Are Complementary Medicines Regulated in
Australia?
In Australia, complementary medicines are overseen
by the Therapeu琀椀c Goods Administra琀椀on (TGA).
The TGA ensures all therapeu琀椀c products, including
complementary medicines, meet essen琀椀al standards of
quality, safety, and e昀케cacy to protect consumers.
Listed Medicines vs. Registered Medicines
Complementary medicines fall into two main categories:
Listed and Registered medicines.
• Listed Medicines (AUST L): These are generally
low-risk products, containing only pre-approved,
low-risk ingredients. Listed medicines must meet
strict manufacturing and labelling standards, but
they don’t require extensive evidence of e昀케cacy
prior to being marketed. The claims they make must
be truthful and not misleading. Examples include
most vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements.
• Registered Medicines (AUST R): These are
considered higher risk and may include both
complementary and conven琀椀onal medicines.
Registered medicines must undergo a
comprehensive review of their quality, safety,
and e昀케cacy before they can be sold in Australia.
Complementary medicines that make more
substan琀椀al health claims o昀琀en fall into this category.
