Medical Forum
Guidance on the way amid rise in off-label peptide prescribing
New guidelines on prescribing peptides are on the way amid concerns some practitioners are side-stepping their professional responsibilities.
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Medical Forum
The Medical Board of Australia is working with Ahpra and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on new guidance for prescribing what it called ‘new pharmaceutical frontiers’.
“There’s been a massive uptick in unapproved peptide use that raises safety concerns. Some consumers are sourcing illicit substances directly online, without adequate health advice,” according to the Board’s latest newsletter.
“Others are sourcing them from registered practitioners who are not meeting their professional responsibility to only prescribe peptides when there is a clinical need and evidence to support the treatment.”
The TGA this month issued a stark warning to suppliers of unapproved peptide products – those doing the wrong thing may face warning letters, infringement notices, civil penalties or criminal prosecution.
Head of the TGA Professor Anthony Lawler said: “The message is simple. If you are unlawfully importing, manufacturing, advertising or supplying unapproved peptide products, expect the TGA to take action.
“These products can pose serious risks to Australian consumers, and businesses should not assume they can operate outside Australia's therapeutic goods framework without consequences.”
It comes as a number of unregulated and untested products are sold in Australia by wellness operators promising longevity, capitalising on the want to stay young, strong and live longer.
An ABC Four Corners investigation found about 100 operators that have opened up across the country, offering treatments from IV drips to red light therapy and peptides.
As part of the investigation a reporter was able to access peptides through a doctor working with a wellness clinic in Queensland. There were a number hoops to jump through, including blood tests, and the doctor was open about the lack of data for the peptides recommended, but they were still prescribed.
The Medical Board of Australia said it had also been investigating unsafe prescribing and compounding practices, alongside Ahpra.
Some individual practitioners have had their registration restricted or suspended, while some have lost their right to practise.
“We’re concerned that high consumer demand for peptides is leading some practitioners to side-step their professional responsibilities. By putting profits ahead of patients, these practitioners are putting public safety at risk and could face regulatory action,” the Board said in its newsletter.
“Most practitioners want to put their patients first, but commercial and financial pressures can affect clinical judgement. Professional responsibilities don’t vanish in the face of patient demand and off-label prescribing should only follow a thorough clinical assessment.”
Adverse events
A spate of adverse events including liver toxicity, severe allergic reactions, inflammation and other health complications requiring medical attention have been linked to unregulated peptides.
In June the Victorian Department of Health reported six cases of acute liver toxicity associated with an unapproved peptide product called retatrutide.
No adverse events have been reported to WA Health, but the department said it is continuing to monitor the situation.
A spokesperson said WA Health strongly discourages people from risking their health by purchasing and using unapproved and potentially unsafe peptide products.
Anyone developing unusual or unexpected symptoms after using a peptide product should seek urgent medical attention.