Pharmacy, Pharmacist Only and prescription medicines
Where S2, S3 and S4 medicines are kept, how they are supplied, returned medicines, and medicines that can be misused.
Version 1 · approved 23 Sept 2026 by Sam Nguyen
Where scheduled medicines are kept
All scheduled medicines are stored and displayed as the Drugs and Poisons legislation requires. Prescription-only (S4) medicines are kept in the dispensary, or in a locked facility, where a pharmacist can supervise them — including in storerooms, packing and dispatch areas and fridges. Take particular care when S4 deliveries arrive.
Legal requirement VPA Standard 1.1.3 · VPA Guidelines G1.1.3 · DPCS Regulations 2017
Pharmacist Only (S3) medicines
S3 medicines are stored so customers cannot help themselves, and are not displayed or promoted in a way that draws attention to them. Before any S3 supply, the pharmacist personally satisfies themselves that there is a therapeutic need. The pharmacist supplies it, or directly supervises the supply, and gives directions for use. One pack is supplied at a time, unless the circumstances are exceptional — and then the reason is recorded.
Legal requirement VPA self-audit 1.1.3 · DPCS Regulations 2017 (regulation number unverified)
Pseudoephedrine
All stock containing pseudoephedrine should be kept out of public view. Stock held for sale should be no more than one week's sales.
Regulator guidance VPA Guidelines G1.1.3 · VPA self-audit 1.1.3
Pharmacy Medicines (S2)
Non-pharmacist staff may sell Pharmacy Medicines. The pharmacist on duty should routinely monitor those sales.
Regulator guidance VPA self-audit 1.1.3
When staff should ask a pharmacist
Staff refer to the pharmacist whenever they are unsure, and always for a request that seems unusual, repeated or excessive.
Pharmacy's own choice VPA self-audit 1.1.3
Medicines that can be misused
Sales of medicines known to be abused or misused are supervised and monitored by the pharmacist. The licensee decides what goods the pharmacy stocks, paying particular attention to these medicines.
Legal requirement Schedule cl 9(d) · VPA self-audit 1.1.3 · VPA Guidelines G1.2.5
Staff and these medicines
Staff refer every request for these medicines to the pharmacist.
Pharmacy's own choice VPA Guidelines G1.2.5
The professional service area
The professional service area should be a distinct area with a "Professional Service Area" sign. It should display and store only products for therapeutic use and information about them.
Regulator guidance VPA Guidelines G2.4.5
Medicines are never re-used
Once a medicine has been dispensed and has left the pharmacy, it is never put back into stock or supplied again — whatever its condition. Anything returned goes for disposal.
Legal requirement Schedule cl 9(b)
Returned and unwanted medicines
Returned medicines, including those from aged care homes and returned dose administration aids, and expired or unwanted stock should be stored securely until disposal. They should be disposed of regularly through a specialist waste service such as the returned unwanted medicines (RUM) program. Returned or expired Schedule 8 medicines follow the Schedule 8 policy instead.
Regulator guidance VPA Guidelines G1.1.3 · VPA self-audit 1.1.3
Checks that go with this policy
- Returned medicines disposed — Monthly
PharmPolicy supports compliance. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the licensee's own judgement or obligations under the Pharmacy Regulation Act 2010 and other laws.