Medicine info: Brand names
Medicine info: Active ingredients
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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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.
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Medicines for headaches
Most people have headaches occasionally. Find out what can cause them, medicines, and how you can treat different types of headaches.
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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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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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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.
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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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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 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.
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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.
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