Prescription addiction can happen to anyone

Prescription medicines are responsible for more than 2 in 3 accidental drug-related deaths. Here's what you need to know about prescription addiction.

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Is it safe to get a prescription for the contraceptive pill online?

You can now get a prescription for the oral contraceptive pill online and have it sent it your door, without seeing a GP. But experts are concerned.

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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

There are some medicines you don't need a prescription for. These are called over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

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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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Buying medicines online

Buying medicines on the internet has its advantages, but there is a risk of losing your money, damaging your health or breaking the law.

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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 availiable to the public.

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How to read Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflets provide information about the medicine you are taking. Find out where to get a CMI and how to use them.

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Children's medicines

Children don't always need medicine to treat illnesses. But if you do need to give your child medicine, here are some useful tips.

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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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Questions to ask before taking a medicine

It's important to learn about your medicines before you take them. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicines.

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Better access to an overdose-reversing medication could save lives

A nasal spray has been added to the PBS, meaning many Australians could be saved from overdosing on prescription and illicit opioids.

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Pain-relief medicines

There's a range of pain-relief medicines for acute or chronic pain, including over-the-counter and prescription medication. All have possible side effects.

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Medicines to treat nicotine dependence

Learn how over the counter and prescription medicines, along with professional quit smoking services, can help you to quit smoking.

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Temazepam

Temazepam is a medicine that is usually used to treat sleeping problems or insomnia. To get temazepam, you will need a prescription written for you by a doctor.

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Dihydrocodeine

Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. It is categorised as a 'weak' opioid. Learn more here.

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About My Health Record

My Health Record is Australia's secure digital health record system. Learn how to store information, such as prescriptions and vaccinations.

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Codeine no longer available over the counter from Feb 1

Pain-relief medicines that contain codeine will no longer be available without a doctor's prescription from 1 Feb 2018. Here’s what you need to know.

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Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out more about methadone, how it works and possible side effects.

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Tapentadol

Tapentadol is a prescription-only opioid medicine used for pain relief. Find out more about tapentadol, how it works and about possible side effects.

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Hydromorphone

Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out how hydromorphone works and learn about its side effects.

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Morphine

Morphine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out more about morphine, how it works and possible side effects.

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Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out more about buprenorphine, how it works and possible side effects.

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Take medicines seriously

Around 9 million Australians take prescription medicine daily; millions more take over-the-counter meds. It's crucial they're taken properly and stored safely.

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Metformin

Metformin is a medicine that is commonly prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. To get metformin, you need to have a prescription written for you by your doctor. Find out more about metformin on this page.

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Opioid withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and anxiety, can occur if you stop taking an opioid medicine suddenly. Reducing the dosage slowly and carefully is key.

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Addiction withdrawal symptoms

You may have withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit an addiction. Withdrawal symptoms are different for different people and can be mild or severe.

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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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Taking opioid medicines safely

Opioid medicines are prescribed to relieve pain caused by cancer, surgery or injury. It's crucial to take them safely to reduce the risk of opioid harm.

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Cigarette substitutes like e-cigarettes: how safe or effective are the alternatives to tobacco?

Alternatives to cigarettes, such as e-cigarettes (vaping), are available, but just how safe are these smoking substitutes?

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Generic vs. brand-name medicines

Every medicine has a brand name and a generic name. Learn about the differences and what to consider when deciding which is best for you.

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