$100K fine over prescription drug

Acacia Pharmacy has been fined almost $100K for illegally importing unapproved melatonin products less than six months after the TGA issued a warning.

Melatonin is a prescription-only medicine in Australia, except in specific circumstances for adults. Even with a valid prescription, counterfeit products cannot be imported into Australia under the Personal Importation Scheme.

“Under the Act, therapeutic goods must be entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before they can be lawfully imported and supplied, unless an approval or exemption applies,” the TGA said.