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TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is part of the Australian Government Department of Health. The TGA is responsible for ensuring that therapeutic goods available for supply in Australia are safe and fit for their intended purpose.

Watch this video: About the TGA

Examples of therapeutic goods include:

  • medicines (such as prescription, over the counter and complementary medicines)
  • medical devices (such as medical gloves, bandages, syringes, blood pressure monitors, and X-ray equipment)
  • vaccines
  • biologicals (such as human cell- and tissue-derived products)
  • blood and blood products
  • sunscreens
  • sterilants and disinfectants
  • tampons and menstrual cups.

Learn more about what and how the TGA regulates on the TGA website.

Vision and mission

The TGA’s vision is better health and wellbeing for all Australians through regulatory excellence.

They protect the health and safety of the community by regulating therapeutic goods.

How can the Therapeutic Goods Administration help?

The TGA assesses therapeutic goods to help ensure they are safe and effective before approving them for use in Australia. The TGA has a risk-based approach, which means higher-risk therapeutic goods undergo more extensive assessment than lower-risk therapeutic goods. Products that the TGA has approved for use are included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

The TGA also monitors the ongoing risks and benefits of therapeutic goods once approved for use and is able to take action if the benefits are not realised or additional risks become apparent. Possible regulatory actions vary from continued monitoring to withdrawing a product from the Australian market.

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Last reviewed: November 2022

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Medical devices that are implanted inside or on the surface of your body are considered higher risk therapeutic goods, and the decision to get one should not be taken lightly.

Read more on TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration website

COVID-19 vaccines | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Find out how we approve and regulate COVID-19 vaccines in Australia.

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Avoid prescribing pregabalin in pregnancy if possible | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Medicines Safety Update - Information for health professionals

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Be alert when considering cosmetic injections | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Risks associated with cosmetic injections can be related to both the product and the experience of the person performing the procedure

Read more on TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration website

Safety information for consumers | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Information for consumers, patients and carers about the safety of medicines and medical devices.

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An important message for women with breast implants | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Be informed and aware, but don’t be afraid.

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Phenelzine (Nardil) discontinuation | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Joint statement on accessing alternatives and patient management

Read more on TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration website

First-generation antihistamines - winter warning | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Safety warning for consumers

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Varenicline (Champix) | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Safety advisory – risks of psychiatric symptoms and potential interaction with alcohol

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Vaccines overview | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Find out how the TGA defines, approves and regulates vaccines in Australia.

Read more on TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration website

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