MIMS (Monthly Index of Medical Specialties)

Definition

MIMS is an online and printed resource that lists therapeutic goods registered with the Australian TGA. MIMS includes detailed information about each approved medicine: approved indications, approved dosing regimens, contraindications, adverse effects, drug interactions, and pharmacokinetic data. Medical practitioners and pharmacists consult MIMS to obtain authoritative, up-to-date information about registered therapeutic goods. MIMS is produced by a private publisher (MIMS Australia) but draws directly from the product information registered with the TGA. MIMS is an important reference because it provides a consolidated, searchable database of approved medicines and their approved uses, helping practitioners identify approved medicines for specific indications and understand approved dosing. Access to MIMS is available both through a website and through a smartphone application. For practitioners in Australia, MIMS serves as a primary resource for checking whether a medicine is approved, what the approved indication is, and whether an intended use would be off-label.

MIMS information is compiled from the therapeutic goods information (product information/PI) that manufacturers register with the TGA. The registered product information represents the approved indication, approved dose, and safety information that has been reviewed and approved by the TGA. Practitioners must ensure their prescribing aligns with the approved product information or document off-label use and clinical justification. Regulatory agencies review prescriber adherence to approved indications and approved dosing as part of monitoring compliance and safety.

MIMS is primarily a resource for practitioners rather than patients, as it contains detailed medical and scientific information. However, patient-oriented resources (such as the Australian Medicines Handbook) provide simpler summaries of medicines information for patient education. Practitioners commonly use MIMS to identify approved medicines, check dosing, verify contraindications, and investigate potential drug interactions.