Medicines information

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

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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 medicine side effects and what to do if you have them.

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Vaccine preventable diseases

Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) — such as measles, mumps — can be prevented by an immunisation program. Learn more about VPDs in Australia.

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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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Allergies

Information about allergy types, as well as allergy testing, anaphylaxis, antihistamines and common related conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

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Immunisation and vaccinations

Immunisation and vaccinations are simple and effective preventative measures to help protect children and adults against harmful infections and diseases before they come into contact with them in the community.

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Hormones

Hormones are responsible for many bodily functions including growth, repair, maintenance and triggering a number of bodily processes. Learn more here.

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Vitamins and minerals

Find out about the vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health, where you can find them and when you may need to take supplements.

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Parasite conditions

Parasites can infect humans via many routes, such as through sexual intercourse, via a vector (e.g. mosquito), through ingestion, or simply from close contact with an infected person. Learn more about them here.

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A guide to menopause

Menopausal symptoms can begin when you’re perimenopausal and continue post-menopause. Find out when you should see a doctor and about treatment.

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A guide to hay fever

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, can be triggered by dust, grass and pollen. Learn about antihistamine medicines and other ways to manage symptoms, plus find out when an allergy test might be a good idea.

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Sun protection — infographic

If you need to go outside in the sun, it's important to protect you and your children's skin to reduce the risk of skin cancer. This infographic shows the sun protection measures you should take.

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Diabetic ketoacidosis

Information about diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition caused when you have a high blood sugar level, and not enough insulin in your body to break it down to use for energy .

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Follicle stimulating hormone

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. Find out what it does and when your FSH blood level may be tested.

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Pineal gland

Find out about the pineal gland. This is a very small gland in your brain that makes the hormone melatonin, which controls your internal body clock.

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Hashimoto's disease

Hashimoto's disease can cause your body to produce too little thyroid hormone. Find out more about its causes, symptoms and treatment.

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Graves' disease

In this autoimmune condition, the thyroid gland in the neck produces too much thyroid hormone that can cause tremor, anxiety, a racing heart, goitre and bulging eyes.

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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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The role of cortisol in the body

Cortisol is a stress hormone with many important functions. Find out what happens if you have too little or excess cortisol and about corticosteroid drugs.

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Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that plays an important role in both the female and male reproductive system.

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Magnesium and your health

Magnesium is a nutrient essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels. Read about the benefits of magnesium.

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What is the difference between bacterial and viral infections?

Bacterial and viral infections must be treated differently. Misusing antibiotics to treat viral infections leads to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

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Epidural anaesthetic

An epidural anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure.

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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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Anaesthetics (overview)

There are different forms of anaestheisa that can be used to provide a safe and effective way for you to have an operation or procedure, and to give you pain relief. Most people do not have any problems and are satisfied with their anaesthetic.

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Epidural injection for chronic pain relief

An epidural injection can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief.

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Peripheral nerve block (upper limb)

A peripheral upper limb nerve block can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after the operation.

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Facet joint injection

A facet joint injection can be used to find out if your pain is caused by your facet joints, or to treat pain in your facet joints.

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Hormonal system

The endocrine (hormonal) system influences your metabolism, growth and other functions. Learn more about what it is and related conditions.

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Adrenal glands

Find out about your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys and make several important hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.

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