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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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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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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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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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 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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Medicines safety for older people

Older people are at increased risk of medicine-related problems. Learn how to take your medicines safely and what to ask your doctor.

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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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What are generic medicines?

Generic medicines have the same active ingredient as brand-name medicines. Find out about generic medicines, active ingredients and how they work.

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Questions to ask before taking a medicine

It's important to learn about your medicines before you take them. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicines.

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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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Medicines to treat nicotine dependence

Learn how over the counter and prescription medicines, along with professional quit smoking services, can help you to quit smoking.

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Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a prescription opioid medicine. Learn about how it works, when to use it, and its potential risks and side effects.

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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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Temazepam

Temazepam is a medicine generally used to treat sleeping problems or insomnia by slowing brain activity. It requires a prescription by a doctor.

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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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Medicare Safety Net

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) helps Australians to access a wide range of prescription medicines without paying the full price.

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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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Tapentadol

Tapentadol is a prescription-only opioid medicine used for pain relief. Find out about tapentadol, how it works and its possible side effects.

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Morphine

Morphine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out how it works and its possible side effects.

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Addiction withdrawal symptoms

You may have withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit an addiction. Withdrawal symptoms are different for different people and can be mild or severe.

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Opioid withdrawal symptoms

Opioid withdrawal symptoms may vary depending on the opioid. Find out how to stop safely and manage symptoms to prevent long-term health risks.

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Medicines for babies and children

Get practical and reliable advice on giving your sick infant or child medicine, including help with measuring dosage and managing side effects.

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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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Taking opioid medicines safely

Opioid medicines are prescribed to relieve pain caused by cancer, surgery or injury. It's crucial to take them safely to reduce risks of opioid harm.

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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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Medicines during pregnancy

Learn more about which medicines are safe to take during pregnancy, including over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements and vitamins.

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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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Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a normal condition in which your eyes become less able to focus as you age. Learn how presbyopia changes your vision and how it can be corrected.

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The pill (combined oral contraceptive pill)

The combined oral contraceptive pill, usually called 'the pill', is a type of contraception (birth control) that can also help control your periods.

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