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Know it's a medicine What is a medicine?
Why should I even think about medicines?
Medicines are any substances that are meant to change the way your body deals with illness or injury or to maintain your health and wellbeing.
A lot of people don’t realise that complementary medicines, such as herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements, are all medicines too.
Medicines come in many forms
This includes tablets, liquids, inhalers, drops, patches, creams, lotions, pessaries, suppositories and injections. Some are taken by mouth, while others are applied to parts of the body.
They don't just come from a pharmacy
Some medicines you get from the pharmacist with a prescription from a doctor or other health professional. Other medicines you get from the pharmacist without a prescription. You can also get some medicines from supermarkets, health food shops, herbalists, naturopaths and the internet.
Different medicines do different things
Some are meant to treat illnesses or injuries. Some are meant to prevent illnesses or maintain health and wellbeing. Others are meant to ease the problems caused by an illness or injury.
Top 5 medicinewise questions
When thinking of starting a medicine
- Why do I need this medicine?
- What are my medicine and non-medicine options?
- What are the benefits and risks of my treatment options?
- Is this treatment option suitable for me?
- Where can I find trusted information?
Learn more about starting a new medicine in Medicinewise Choices.
Date published: 2011-01-20 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
