Active Ingredient Prescribing Dispensing
Active ingredient prescribing (AIP) requires approved prescribers to include active ingredient names on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation PBS (RPBS) prescriptions.
From 1 February 2021, PBS and RPBS prescriptions must meet the new requirements for AIP to receive subsidies.
Patients will be provided with prescriptions based on the active ingredient, rather than the brand name of the medication.
Key Information for Pharmacies:
- From 1 August 2021, new PBS and RPBS prescriptions that do not meet active ingredient prescribing requirements are not eligible for PBS/RPBS subsidies. They will either need to be dispensed as a private prescription, or be reissued by the prescriber to meet AIP requirements.
- Prescriptions and repeats prescribed prior to 1 August 2021 which do not meet AIP requirements are still eligible for PBS/RPBS subsidies.
- Refer to List of Excluded Medicinal Items (LEMI) with PBS Item Codes for items excluded from AIP.
Selecting Medication for AIP Dispensing
Dispense medication can be selected by active ingredient in Dispense Pro. Refer to Dispense by Active Ingredient article
For scanned AIP prescriptions, the Dispense Form displays drug selections matching the PBS Item Code specified in the prescription.
The Drug Selection window displays important information in the title bar, including the prescribed active ingredient, strength, and drug form. Consult this description to ensure your selection meets the required drug strength and form.
The prescribed active ingredient names and strength are also displayed on the eScript Details window and the Pharmacy Scan Check screen.
Other helpful resources: