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How to read Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
5-minute read
Key facts
- A Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) page has information about your medicine and how to take it safely.
- You will find the CMI in the medicine packaging or you can ask your pharmacist for it.
- It is important to read CMI before taking any new medicine.
- If you are unsure about the medicine after reading the CMI, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You have a right to ask questions.
What is a consumer medicine information leaflet?
Consumer medicine information is important so you know about the medicine you are taking. A consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet has a standard format. It includes clear headings with simple instructions of what you need to do to get the best results from your medicine.
The CMI gives you facts you need to know before, during and after taking your medicine.
The CMI gives you information on how to use your medicine safely. For example, it tells you:
- who should take the medicine
- who should not take it
- how to take the medicine
- any known side effects
- other medicines it may interact with
All prescription medicines and some non-prescription medicines have a CMI leaflet.
Pharmaceutical companies write CMI. They must follow government guidelines on what to include. The information must be correct, unbiased, and easy to understand.
What other information is in a CMI?
The CMI includes:
- the brand name of the medicine
- active ingredients and other ingredients
- information on the safe storage of medicine
- instructions on what to do if you miss a dose
- instructions on what to do if you have left over medicine
- information on possible interactions with other medicines
- contact details for the pharmaceutical company
LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand name or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.
Where to find a CMI
Your pharmacist will give you a CMI when you start a new medicine. You can also ask them for the CMI.
You can find a CMI yourself:
- Check the medicine packaging (it is often inside).
- Ask your pharmacist or doctor to print it for you.
- Call 1300 MEDICINE on 1300 633 424.
- Search using the healthdirect medicines information tool.
- Search the NPS MedicineWise Medicine finder.
- Contact the medical information department of the pharmaceutical company that makes your medicine (you can find the contact details on the company's Australian website).
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
Using your CMI
Always make sure you have the right CMI. Check that the brand name on the CMI matches the brand name of your medicine.
Read the CMI before taking any new medicine.
Keep all your CMIs in the one place so you can easily find them. You may need to check some details while using the medicine. For example, you may want to check what to do if you miss a dose.
Is this medicine right for me?
If you have read the CMI and you aren't sure if the medicine is right for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You have a right to ask questions.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
Understanding interactions
Sometimes one medicine can affect how another medicine works. One medicine can change the side effects of another. This is called an 'interaction'.
Interactions can also happen between medicines and certain foods or drinks, including alcohol.
Known interactions are listed in your medicine's CMI.
Before you start any new medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any interactions you should know about. This is especially important if you see more than one doctor.
Tell them about any other medicines (including any over-the-counter and complementary medicines) you are taking.
Resources and support
- Find CMI for most prescription medicines available in Australia online.
- Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) from anywhere in Australia to answer your questions about medicines.
- Call the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26 if you are worried about poisoning, or taking too much of a medicine. You can also visit the Australian Government Poisons Information Centre.
Do you prefer languages other than English?
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is available for callers on 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) who speak languages other than English.
Do you have a hearing or speech difficulty?
The National Relay Service (NRS) is available to help callers to 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) with a hearing or speech impairment.