20 March 2013
 
A5M POSITION STATEMENT ON PRESCRIBING MEDICATIONS - UPDATE

The AustralAsian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine (A5M) advocates for the safe and ethical prescription of ALL MEDICATIONS ONLY WHERE CLINICALLY INDICATED.

A5M strongly advocates that medications should be only be prescribed where medically necessary, and only by doctors trained in the diagnosis and treatment of any disorders.

The AustralAsian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine stresses that patients must be treated within the relevant laws and according to clinical guidelines. Practitioners should check with their relevant
professional guidelines in relation to specific medications.

A5M understands that practitioners may occasionally prescribe a registered medicine for a use that is not included or is disclaimed in the product information. This practice, called off-label prescribing, is permitted in Australia and may often be clinically appropriate¹.  A5M suggests that practitioners refer to the Medical Journal of Australia article on this subject.

As with all prescribing, A5M suggests that doctors keep appropriate records in relation to their diagnosis, testing and prescribing of all medications.

In relation to human growth hormone, A5M Advisory Board Honorary Advisor, Prof Chen Chen, MD, PhD has formally recommended following the American Endocrinology guidelines including detailed protocols for the diagnosis of human growth hormone deficiencies, with reference to recommendation by the US Endocrine Society. Please refer to the attached article, "Evaluation and Treatment of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines"

A5M believes that clinical guidelines are an essential component of achieving quality care for patients.

Anti-Ageing Medicine is about maintaining the best possible health throughout your life.

Practitioners must use a scientifically proven, holistic, “entire body” approach to maintaining and restoring wellness.

Patients must be thoroughly assessed for any potential health risks using clinically accepted testing and diagnosis methods.

Best practice health management programs may include diet, nutrition, exercise, aesthetic
treatments & supplementation and, only where clinically necessary, prescription medicine.

1 Medical Journal of Australia article on Off-Label Prescribing Protocols

Please also read this document - Guideline for GH Deficiencies.

Endorsed By:

Dr Nathan Francis

Dr. Nathan Francis
MBBS(WA), FRACGP, MFM, FAMAC, FACNEM, GRAD. DIP. NUT.MED, DIP COG, ABAARM, FAARM
PRESIDENT, The AustralAsian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine (A5M)



8 February 2013