Doctors who prescribe unapproved peptides, medicinal cannabis and GLP-1 weight loss drugs off label could face an investigation without a complaint first being made about their conduct, AHPRA has warned. 

The watchdog launched new guidance on Wednesday aimed at tackling “reckless” prescribing off label or for unapproved medicines, especially following brief consultations with patients.

It comes amid concerns that growing consumer demand for certain medicines, coupled with “undue commercial influence”, has led some practitioners to depart from established professional standards.

The guidance warns that AHPRA may investigate practitioners with high rates of prescribing or compounding of any scheduled medicine, even if it has not received a complaint.