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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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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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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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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Pethidine
Pethidine is an opioid pain-relief medicine that your doctor can prescribe. Find out more about pethidine, how it works and 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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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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Side effects of medicines including vaccines
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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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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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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Norovirus infection
Norovirus is a virus that can cause gastroenteritis and is spread easily. Learn more about good hygiene practices that can help protect you.
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hCG test
The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test is usually used to confirm or monitor a pregnancy. It can be a blood or a urine test. Learn more here.
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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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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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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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