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Two-in-one medicinesTwo-in-one medicines
Combination medicines are medicines that contain more than one active ingredient. The active ingredient is the chemical that makes the medicine work.
Over-the-counter combination medicines, such as medicines to relieve cold and flu symptoms, have been available for a long time. Recently, medicines that combine two or more prescription medicines have become more common. For example, some combination medicines are now available to treat a variety of conditions, including type 2 diabetes.
Combination medicines are developed only when it has been shown that combining two or more active ingredients would be beneficial. For example, the combination may enhance the way one ingredient works, reduce side effects, or reduce the number of tablets needed. Your doctor will prescribe a combination medicine only if it is appropriate for you and your condition.
Over-the-counter combination medicines, such as medicines to relieve cold and flu symptoms, have been available for a long time. Recently, medicines that combine two or more prescription medicines have become more common. For example, some combination medicines are now available to treat a variety of conditions, including type 2 diabetes.
Combination medicines are developed only when it has been shown that combining two or more active ingredients would be beneficial. For example, the combination may enhance the way one ingredient works, reduce side effects, or reduce the number of tablets needed. Your doctor will prescribe a combination medicine only if it is appropriate for you and your condition.Pros and cons
As with most things, there are pros and cons of using combination medicines.Convenience
Using a combination medicine may mean taking fewer tablets. Having to take fewer tablets may make it easier to manage your medicines.Cost
In some instances, it may be cheaper to buy a combination medicine than to buy the medicines individually.Changing the dose
Commonly, when starting a medicine for a chronic condition, your doctor will make adjustments to your dose before finding the right dose for you. With combination medicines, it’s not always possible to make these adjustments, as they are available only in fixed doses.Check active ingredients
With any combination medicine, it is particularly important that you know what active ingredients the medicine contains. If you take another medicine with one of the same active ingredients, you will accidently take a double dose. Read the label and packaging of any new medicine to make sure that it does not contain the same active ingredient as one of your existing medicines.
Make sure all your doctors know about all the medicines
you’re taking by keeping an up-to-date medicines list.
Keeping an up-to-date list of all your medicines that includes the active ingredients of each medicine will help prevent you taking or being given another medicine with the same active ingredient. Discuss your list with the doctor or pharmacist when being recommended a new medicine. You can download an NPS Medicines List from www.nps.org.au/medicineslist, or you can order one over the phone by ringing 02 8217 8700.
Read the label and packaging of any new medicine
to make sure that it does not contain the same
active ingredient as one of your existing medicines.
Tips for using combination medicines |
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MedicinesTalk is a free quarterly newsletter for consumers written by consumers about using medicines wisely. Subscribe to the hard copy version using our online ordering system, or write to MedicinesTalk, National Prescribing Service Limited, PO Box 1147, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.
Date published: 2012-01-17 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.
