Commercialism, choice and consumer protection: regulation of complementary medicines in Australia

Harvey, Ken J; Korczak, Viola S; Marron, Loretta J; Newgreen, David B

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2008.tb01905.x

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In reply: We agree with Kotsirilos that the current listing process of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provides some protection for consumers by ensuring that complementary medicines (CMs) are manufactured in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

1 School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC.
2 Choice (Australian Consumers' Association), Sydney, NSW.
3 Brisbane, QLD.
4 Melbourne, VIC.

Correspondence: k.harvey@medreach.com.au

1. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing; Therapeutic Goods Administration. Evidence summary table for listed medicines. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/tgaccevi.htm#lmtable (accessed Feb 2008).
2. Bent S, Padula A, Neuhaus J. Safety and efficacy of citrus aurantium for weight loss. Am J Cardiol 2004; 94: 1359-1361.
3. Choice. Complementary medicines. http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=105376&catId=100386&tid=100008&p=1&title=Complementary+medicines (accessed Feb 2008).
4. Medicines Australia. Code of conduct annual report 2006/2007. Sydney. http://www.medicinesaustralia.com.au/pages/images/Code%20of%20Con duct%20Annual%20Report%202007.pdf (accessed May 2008).
5. Harvey KJ, Korczak VS, Marron LJ, Newgreen DB. Commercialism, choice and consumer protection: regulation of complementary medicines in Australia. Med J Aust 2008; 188: 21-25. <MJA full text>

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