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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Getting the most out of your pharmacist
Pharmacist's provide expert advice on medication and health. They can manage chronic conditions, offer vaccinations, and provide essential services.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Out-of-date medicines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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PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is medicine you can take after possible exposure to HIV to reduce your risk of infection. Learn more about PEP here.
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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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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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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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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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Mouth sores and ulcers (canker sores)
An ulcer is a common type of mouth sore. It can make everyday tasks like brushing your teeth, talking, eating and drinking feel uncomfortable.
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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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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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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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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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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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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 healthdirect can help you
healthdirect provides easy access to trusted, quality health information and advice online and over the phone. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you make informed choices anywhere, any time.
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healthdirect app
Make informed decisions about your health with healthdirect's free app. Check your symptoms, find a health service near you and get trusted health information.
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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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Blood pressure monitoring at home
Monitoring your blood pressure at home can help you manage high blood pressure. Get tips on how to check your blood pressure accurately at home.
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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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