SafeScript NSW- what is it?

21 January 2022

SafeScript NSW is a computer software that provides prescribers (e.g. general practitioners) and pharmacists with real-time information about a patient’s prescribing and dispensing history for certain high-risk medicines. These are known as monitored medicines and include opioids (e.g. codeine, morphine or oxycodone) and benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, nitrazepam or alprazolam).

SafeScript NSW does not tell a health practitioner what to do because prescribers and pharmacists are best placed to consult with their patients and determine the safest and best option based on the patient’s individual health needs.

Why is SafeScript NSW being introduced?

Some monitored medicines taken in high doses or when taken with other medicines, can be dangerous, even cause death. In 2019, there were 1,644 unintentional deaths due to drug overdoses in Australia. The introduction of SafeScript NSW is part of NSW Government’s commitment to reduce harm from monitored medicines and help save lives.

SafeScript NSW will be introduced in the Central and Eastern Sydney region in May 2022.

For more information, visit the SafeScript website.