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.

Read more

Codeine

Codeine is an opioid medicine used to relieve mild pain and suppress dry coughs. Find out how codeine works and about possible side effects.

Read more

Medicines for headaches

Most people have headaches occasionally. Find out what can cause them, medicines, and how you can treat different types of headaches.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Opioids

Opioids are a group of medicines prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Learn about their side effects, withdrawal symptoms and what to do in an overdose.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Pain relief after surgery

Pain after an operation is a common problem but there is no need for you to be in a lot of pain. Pain relief after surgery is usually safe and effective.

Read more

Opioid medicines and pain

Some pain medicines, such as opioids, need to be taken with care. Learn about the risks and benefits of opioids, side effects and pain-relief alternatives.

Read more

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.

Read more

How do you know if you're having a migraine or a headache?

Most Australians get headaches, while 5 million experience migraines, which can affect the entire body. Learn about the difference, and how you can prevent or treat migraines.

Read more

Can medicines be addictive?

Some medicines can cause dependence and addiction. Learn which ones are associated with these risks and how to avoid dependence or addiction when taking them.

Read more

Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive drug with many serious side effects. Find out more about heroin's effects and the dangers of long term abuse and addiction.

Read more

Managing period pain

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common but might make it difficult for you to enjoy normal activities. Here are some ways to manage painful periods, and know when it’s time to see your doctor.

Read more

Medicines for nerve pain

There are many different types of medicines used to help ease nerve pain. Find out more about what medicines to take from a trusted source.

Read more

Chronic pain

Chronic pain lasts for more than 3 months or beyond normal healing time. Learn more about its causes, living with, and managing chronic pain.

Read more

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a type of anti-inflammatory pain reliever. It is a medicine that treats fever and pain caused by inflammation. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

Read more

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids or piles are lumps that occur inside and around the anal passage. Here’s how to help ease symptoms and discomfort.

Read more

Options for managing chronic pain

Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 Australians aged over 45. An effective pain-management plan should include a combination of strategies, not medicines alone.

Read more

Paracetamol

You can take paracetamol for mild to moderate pain. Find out when to take paracetamol, its side effects and what to do if you take too much.

Read more