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Why be medicinewise?Why be medicinewise?

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Most of us don’t think much about the medicines we use. Being medicinewise means knowing about medicines, so you can make better decisions about when and how to use them, and get the most benefit from them.

Know it’s a medicine

Why? Medicines are not just bought on prescription. Medicines also include all the eye drops, skin creams, liniments, cough syrups, pain relievers, herbal medicines, and vitamin and mineral supplements
you may use regularly or occasionally. As these are all medicines, they too can have side effects and may interact with other medicines.

Find the active ingredient in the medicine

Why? The active ingredient is the chemical in the medicine that makes it work. Some common active ingredients are found in many different types and brands of medicines. People sometimes unintentionally double dose themselves with the same active ingredient under different brand names. For example, Lemsip and Panadol both contain paracetamol. Knowing the active ingredient of each medicine you’re using helps prevent you taking a double dose and experiencing problems from over dosing.

Ask the right questions

Why? Asking your health professionals the right questions about medicines lets you make informed decisions about taking them, and helps you to get the most benefit from them. Some of the questions you might ask about a medicine are

  • What is the medicine for?
  • What is the active ingredient?
  • How do I take or use this medicine correctly?
  • What are the possible side effects
  • and what can I do about them?
  • What should or shouldn’t I do while
  • taking this medicine?

Also, asking your doctor or pharmacist about any queries or uncertainties you have about the medicines you’re using helps you to use them safely. This could prevent you from making a mistake that lands you in hospital.

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: 2011-05-27 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.