Accurate, balanced evidence-based information about medicines
Information about consumer medicine information leaflets Information about consumer medicine information leaflets
For important facts to know before, during and after taking your medicine, read the consumer medicine information leaflets — now available for each of your prescription and many non-prescription medicines.
Where can we get consumer medicines information?
Sometimes you can find consumer medicine information leaflets inside the packet or box, or:
- Ask your pharmacist or doctor and they will print it from their computer.
- Phone the Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 for the cost of a local call and talk to a pharmacist. You can ring Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm, Eastern Standard Time.
- From our website
- Or, you can contact the Medical Information Department of the pharmaceutical company that made your medicine. Find their number in the phone book.
How can consumer medicine information help?
While your doctor and pharmacist will give you information about your medicine, Consumer Medicine Information is a useful back-up reference. Keep it in a handy place so you can refer to it later and discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist when you need to.
‘My consumer medicine information leaflet is extremely valuable and I always check to see if any new medicine that I am prescribed is compatible with what I’m currently taking.’ (Anne, retiree.)
Information you will find in a consumer medicine information leaflet*
Consumer medicine information is written by the pharmaceutical company that makes the medicine.
Companies writing these leaflets follow government guidelines to ensure the information is accurate,
unbiased, and easy to understand. See above for an example.
*Material has been adapted from: Pharmaceutical Health and Rational use of Medicines (PHARM) Consumer Sub-Committee (2000) ‘Using Consumer Medicine Information (CMI): a guide for consumers and health professionals. Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, Canberra. Copyright, Commonwealth of Australia, used by permission.
