SafeScript NSW is a computer software that allows prescribers and pharmacists to review recent information about your prescription history for some high-risk medicines, such as psychostimulants, opioids, and benzodiazepines. This helps them make safer clinical decisions about your care.
Prescribers and pharmacists can use information in SafeScript NSW when prescribing or dispensing high-risk medicines. It is important that they know what high-risk medicines you are taking, as some may be harmful when taken in high doses or when combined with other medicines.
SafeScript NSW has information on your prescription history for some high-risk medicines called monitored medicines. This information helps your prescriber and pharmacist consider if you are at risk of harm. Risk of harm is increased if you:
If you are prescribed the same medicines or unsafe combinations from more than one prescriber without other prescribers knowing, you could be at risk. These instances may trigger an alert in SafeScript NSW.
SafeScript NSW triggers an alert if your prescribing or dispensing history of some high-risk medicines shows a possible risk.
There are three types of alerts that SafeScript NSW uses to flag a potential risk: green, amber, and red.
These alerts don’t tell your prescriber or pharmacist what to do or if a medicine should or should not be prescribed or dispensed to you. Instead, they help them review your care and determine the safest and most suitable options for you.
Your prescriber may discuss changes to your medicines to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your needs. They may also:
SafeScript NSW does not stop your prescriber or pharmacist from prescribing or dispensing a medicine or tell them what to do. That choice is always up to them. They know your health best and will decide what medicines are safest and most suitable for you.
Speak with your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any concerns about accessing your medicines.
More information is available in the SafeScript NSW brochure for consumers, which includes information on the high-risk medicines that are monitored and how SafeScript NSW works.
Information on real-time prescription monitoring can be found at Real-time prescription monitoring: Poster.
The increasing harm from the unsafe use of some high-risk medicines is a major public health concern. In 2022, there were 2,356 drug-induced deaths in Australia, with 1,878 (80%) being unintentional. Of these deaths, 926 (39%) were due to opioids and 597 (25%) involved benzodiazepines. To learn more about these statistics, view the Penington Institute's Australia's Annual Overdose Report 2024.
SafeScript NSW is part of NSW Health's commitment to reduce harm from monitored medicines and help save lives.
NSW Health has partnered with Painaustralia to help raise awareness about SafeScript NSW.
Learn more about SafeScript NSW by watching the webinar, which tells you why it was introduced and what it means for consumers who use monitored medicines. The webinar was hosted by Painaustralia.
If you have immediate concerns about a person's health and safety, call triple zero (000) or visit a hospital emergency department.
If you have any questions about the medicines you are taking, you can contact:
