Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without needing a prescription. OT medicines can cause side effects and drug interactions.
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Getting the most out of your pharmacist
Pharmacist's provide expert advice on medication and health. They can manage chronic conditions, offer vaccinations, and provide essential services.
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eScript (electronic prescription)
An eScript is a digital version of a paper prescription your doctor can use to prescribe you medicine. Your doctor will send it to you by SMS or email.
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Find a health service
healthdirect Service Finder is a free service that helps you locate the nearest health services in any part of Australia. You can search for health services such as general practitioners, hospitals, dentists, psychologists, hospitals, mental health, optical, pathology, pharmacies and a wide range of others. Find contact details, opening hours and billing options as well as other useful information for these providers. The service finder is also available via the healthdirect mobile app.
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Scheduling of medicines and poisons
The scheduling of medicines is a national classification system that controls how medicines and poisons are made available to the public.
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Buying medicines online
Buying medicines online may seem to have advantages, but there are lots of risks too. Find out more about buying medicines online here.
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Methadone
Methadone is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out how it works and when it might be prescribed.
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Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Using the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Australians can access a wide range of prescription medicines without paying full price.
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Home medicines review
It’s important to manage your medicines correctly. A free home medicines review (HMR) by a pharmacist can help make sure that your medicines are safe.
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After-hours health services
Medical needs after hours don’t always require a visit to the emergency department. After hours GPs, pharmacists, dentists or counsellors can help.
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Out-of-date medicines
All medicines have an expiry date displayed on their packaging. Learn about why medicines expire, and how to dispose of old medicines safely.
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Insulin and diabetes
Find out about insulin and diabetes, including important points on storing insulin, and what to do if you run out of insulin or it has expired.
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PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is medicine you can take after possible exposure to HIV to reduce your risk of infection. Learn more about PEP here.
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Australia's healthcare system
The Australian healthcare system can sometimes seem confusing. Learn more about the types of services available, and how you can access them.
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Antifungal medicines
Antifungal medicines come in many forms including creams and tablets. Treatment choice depends on where the infection is and how severe it is.
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Devices to self-monitor your blood sugar
If you have diabetes, it's important to monitor your blood glucose. Learn more about monitoring devices, blood sugar and ketone testing equipment.
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Condoms
Male and female condoms can prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. Find out more about condoms.
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Side effects of medicines
Side effects are any unwanted effects of a medicine. Learn more about different types of adverse reactions and what to do if you have them.
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Scabies
Scabies is caused by a tiny bug that burrows under your skin, causing intense itching and sometimes a rash. Read more about scabies and its treatment.
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Tadalafil (Cialis)
Tadalafil (Cialis) is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. Learn how to use it safely, and side effects to watch out for.
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Sildenafil (Viagra)
Sildenafil (Viagra) is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. Learn how it works, and the possible side effects.
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Mouth sores and ulcers (canker sores)
An ulcer is a common type of mouth sore. It can make everyday tasks like brushing your teeth, talking, eating and drinking feel uncomfortable.
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Pain-relief medicines
Pain-relief medicines include over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Learn about their side effects as well as when and when not to use them.
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How healthdirect can help you
healthdirect provides easy access to trusted, quality health information and advice online and over the phone. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you make informed choices anywhere, any time.
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Cystitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. Find out about the symptoms and treatment for this common condition.
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healthdirect app
Make informed decisions about your health with healthdirect's free app. Check your symptoms, find a health service near you and get trusted health information.
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Medicines for colds, flu and COVID-19
Different medicines can help relieve your cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms. Learn how to safety take them and when to visit your doctor.
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Medicines to treat nicotine dependence
Learn how over the counter and prescription medicines, along with professional quit services, can help you quit smoking and vaping.
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Medicines safety for older people
Older people are at increased risk of medicine-related problems. Learn how to take your medicines safely and what to ask your doctor.
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Codeine
Codeine is an opioid medicine used to relieve mild pain and suppress a dry cough. Find out how codeine works and about possible side effects.
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