Questions to ask before taking a medicine

Learning about your medication is important to understand your options. This page helps you to ask the right questions about the medications that you are prescribed.

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Complementary therapies — an overview

Complementary therapies such as homeopathy, naturopathy and acupuncture are sometimes used alongside conventional medicine. Here's an overview.

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Complementary therapy

Complementary therapy, sometimes called alternative therapy or integrative medicine, is often used alongside conventional medicine.

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Homeopathy

This article briefly describes homeopathy, including the lack of current evidence for its effectiveness and safety.

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Radiotherapy and other cancer treatments

Radiotherapy uses radiation to damage cancer cells and stop them from reproducing. It can be used by itself or combined with other cancer treatments. Find out more by reading our partner pages.

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Buying medicines online

Buying medicines online can have advantages, but there is a risk of losing your money, damaging your health or breaking the law.

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Medicines

Learn more about a range of different medicines, such as pain relief medicines, antidepressants and medicines for children.

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Medicines and driving

Some medicines can affect the skills you need to drive safely. Learn which medicines can affect your driving and how to reduce the risks.

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Chinese traditional medicine

Trusted information about Chinese traditional medicine from leading Australian health organisations, including links to complementary medicines.

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Over-the-counter medicines

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

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Medicines and alcohol

Alcohol can interact with some medication, including over the counter medicines. Learn more about possible complications of medicines and alcohol.

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Medicine recalls

Medicines are recalled from time to time for a range of different reasons. Learn more about who regulates it and what to do if your medicine has been recalled.

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Out of date medicines

When medicines are manufactured, by law they have to be given an expiry date. Learn more about expiration dates and safe storage of medicines.

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Medicines during pregnancy

Learn more about taking medicines during pregnancy, which includes over-the-counter medicine as well as herbal supplements and vitamins.

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Children's medicines

Children don't always need medicine to get over an illness, but if you do need to give medicine, here are some useful tips.

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Home medicines review

Not managing your own or someone else’s medicines correctly can have serious consequences. A free home medicines review (HMR) by a pharmacist can help.

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Medicine and side effects

Side effects are unwanted effects of a medicine. Learn about where to get information on medicine side effects and how to get help.

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Are generic medicines the same as brand-name medicines?

To mark Be Medicinewise Week 2019, here's what you need to know about generic versus brand-name medicines and their ingredients.

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Medicines and breastfeeding

While most medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding, some can affect your baby. Learn which medicines you can take and where to go for advice.

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Antidepressant medicines

Antidepressants medicines treat depression, anxiety and related conditions. Antidepressants should only be used in consultation with a doctor.

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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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Scheduling of medicines and poisons

The ‘scheduling’ system for medicines and poisons in Australia divides these items into categories based on how they are made available to the public.

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Reporting a problem with a medicine

You should report any problems with your medicine to a healthcare professional. It’s also helpful if you report them directly to the TGA. Learn more here.

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Accidental overdose of medicine

Accidental overdoses on a medicine are very dangerous, but preventable. Learn about the risks, how to avoid them, and the medicines that need special care.

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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.

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Medicinal cannabis

Medicinal cannabis (medical marijuana) is highly regulated in Australia. Learn how it might be used to help relieve the symptoms of certain medical conditions.

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Generic medicines 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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Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)

Anti-inflammatory medicines can be used to relieve pain, reduce redness and swelling (inflammation), or treat a fever.

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How to read CMIs

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflets provide information about the medicine you are taking. Learn more about where to find your CMI and how to use it.

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Pain relief medicines

For pain such as backpain or headaches, simple painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory agents work best but can have potential side effects, so you need to weigh up the pros and cons.

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