Pharmacist Substitution of PBS Medicines without a Prescription during Shortages (Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument)

Page last updated: 20 August 2021

Where a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) has been issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), community pharmacists can substitute specific medicines without prior approval from the prescriber so long as the permitted circumstances within the SSSI are met. From 20 August 2021, the substitution of Progynova (estradiol valerate) tablets with Zumenon (estradiol) tablets will be subsided by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) so long as the substitution is in accordance with the SSSI issued by the TGA. A list of the substitute medicines that are eligible for dispensing as pharmaceutical benefits under these arrangements is available from the PBS website.