About MedWatch
MedWatch is a free reference tool for Australian patients, carers, and healthcare workers to check the availability and PBS-subsidised pricing of medicines. When a catalogue medicine matches a current TGA shortage by brand and strength, MedWatch shows the TGA-reported reason and supply impact end date.
Medicine shortages in Australia are a growing problem — affecting everything from ADHD medications to inhalers, antidepressants to diabetes injections. The data here is sourced directly from the TGA and PBS.
Data sources
- PBS — Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- General and concession co-payments follow the PBS fees from 1 January 2026 ($25.00 and $7.70). Catalogue dispensed prices are a local reference, not a live extract of every PBS item. PBS fees
- TGA — Therapeutic Goods Administration
- Shortage status, supply impact dates, availability, reason, and management action are parsed from the TGA Medicine Shortage Reports Database export. TGA Medicine Shortage Reports Database
Disclaimer
MedWatch is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your pharmacist or prescribing doctor before making any changes to your medication. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time stock levels at individual pharmacies. In emergencies call 000. Medication queries: NPS Medicines Line 1300 633 424.
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