Changes to dual labelling period for some dual labelled ingredient names
Currently some medicine ingredient names must be dual labelled on labels and (PI) and (CMI) documents. This means labels display both the old and new ingredient name. This was to allow people to become familiar with the new names. We chose the new names because they are recognised internationally.
The dual labelling period for most dual labelled names will end on 30 April 2023. Medicine sponsors have 3 years to update labels to show only the new name for these ingredients.
For some ingredient names dual labelling will continue for longer. These names were identified during with health professionals and others who wanted more time. For more information about the transition to sole names see .
For health professionals
Medicines with labels using only the sole ingredient name will start to appear on shelves over time after the end of the dual labelling periods. For example, medicines containing ‘lidocaine(lignocaine)’ will begin to appear as containing ‘lidocaine’ sometime after 30 April 2023.
Take care when prescribing, dispensing, and administering medicines to make sure that the right product is selected.
We have more information to help health professionals .
For consumers
If you see an ingredient name you don’t recognise, or have questions about ingredients in medicines, speak to your health professional.
