AMA backs OTC triptans
But safeguards are needed to ensure pharmacy dispensing doesn't delay more urgent care
The AMA has backed a proposal that would allow pharmacists to dispense some triptans over the counter to treat acute migraine.
The TGA is considering proposals to downgrade zolmitriptan in 2.5mg tablets and sumatriptan in 50mg tablets when sold in packs of no more than two, from schedule 4 to schedule 3 as part of the latest round of rescheduling applications.
The move is part of a push to make more medicines available without a prescription.
In February, the TGA announced the new drug schedule 3 subcategory, Appendix M, for controlled OTC medicines, which allows the watchdog to impose certain conditions, such as restrictions on quantities or demands on pharmacists for extra training.
