Schedule 3 (S3) medicines in South Africa

What is a Schedule 3 medicine in South Africa?

Needs a doctor's prescription, dispensed by a pharmacist. Schedule 3 medicines can only be sold on a prescription from an authorised prescriber, such as a doctor or dentist. A pharmacist dispenses the medicine once they have the written prescription, or a verbal instruction from a prescriber they know. Its price, name, pack size and strength can still be told to the public, as long as nothing links it to what it treats.

Can a pharmacist sell a Schedule 3 medicine without a prescription?

A prescription is required. A pharmacist dispensing against a written or verbal prescription from an authorised prescriber; a veterinarian, who may also prescribe, compound or dispense it directly; a medical practitioner or dentist, who may prescribe it and may compound or dispense it directly only if licensed under section 22C(1)(a); manufacturers and wholesalers may supply people who may lawfully possess it; and, for animal treatment, a person practising a para-veterinary profession, on a veterinarian's written or verbal instruction. Can be repeated only if the prescriber indicated a number of repeats on the prescription, and never for more than six months in total; the prescription must also be presented for dispensing within 30 days of issue.