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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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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Getting the most out of your pharmacist
Pharmacists are qualified medicines experts who provide advice and counselling on products and general healthcare. Learn how community pharmacists can help you.
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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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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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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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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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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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Vardenafil (Levitra)
Vardenafil (Levitra) 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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Mouth sores and ulcers (canker sores)
An ulcer is a common type of mouth sore. It can make everyday tasks like teeth brushing, talking, eating and drinking feel uncomfortable.
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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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What are COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) and where can I buy them?
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) for COVID-19, which you do at home, are now sold in pharmacies and supermarkets. Are they as accurate as PCR lab tests?
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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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Hives
Hives is a skin rash that is often triggered by an infection or allergy. Learn more about hives rash (urticaria) causes, symptoms and treatment.
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Methadone
Methadone is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out how it works and and when it might be prescribed.
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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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Pubic lice (crabs)
Pubic lice (crabs) are tiny insects spread mainly by sexual contact. Find out the symptoms, the treatment and how to stop pubic lice spreading.
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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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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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Insulin and diabetes
Information about insulin and diabetes, storing insulin, taking insulin, and what to do if you run out of insulin or your insulin is out of date can be found on this page.
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How to take medicines safely in a natural disaster (bushfire, floods, cyclones)
It's important to have a plan to manage your medicines should a natural disaster strike. Here's how to safely take medication during a bushfire, flood and more.
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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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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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Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, means problems getting or keeping an erection to have for intercourse. Learn more about causes and 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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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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Cystitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. Find out about the symptoms and treatment for this common condition.
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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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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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