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Get to know your medicines campaignGet to know your medicines campaign

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Since August, you may have seen some of the 'Get to know your medicines' commercials on television. The commercials are part of a national awareness campaign being run by the National Prescribing Service (NPS), publishers of MedicinesTalk.

Purpose

The campaign aims to reduce the number of medicine-related problems in the community by encouraging older people to be more informed about their medicines and giving them the confidence to seek information from their health professionals.

Campaign messages

The campaign, which runs until the end of November, uses the following messages to encourage people to use medicines wisely.

  • Medicines don't just come on prescription. Medicines and remedies bought at pharmacies, supermarkets and health food shops are also medicines. Such medicines may react with your prescription medicines and each other.
  • Keep an up-to-date list of your medicines, and go over the list with your doctor regularly.
  • Know where to find reliable information about your medicines.
  • Take an active role in your health care. Talk openly with your doctor and pharmacist about your medicines.
  • Generic medicines have the same active ingredient as the original brand of the medicine. Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits of using generic medicines.

A few words from Phillip Herreen, 2007 Senior of the Year

Phillip Herreen, 2007 Senior of the yearSince an accident in 1993, Phil Herreen, 2007 Senior Australian of the Year, has devoted much of his life to volunteer work with young drivers and people with spinal cord injuries.

In May, he was a guest speaker at the National Peer Educators' Forum sponsored by the National Prescribing Service and the Council on the Ageing. The Forum was attended by over 120 peer educators who volunteer their time to give information sessions to seniors about 'Getting to know your medicines'. Since the Forum, he has supported the campaign.

'Anyone taking medicines, including people with a chronic condition like myself and those like my wonderful wife who care for us will benefit from learning more about our medicines choices. Most importantly, remember there is always someone you can talk to. It may be your doctor, chemist, a pharmacist on Medicines Line, or one of our highly proficient peer educators. Combined with the range of independent information provided by NPS, everyone has the opportunity to make the most of their medicines choices for better health and well-being.'

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Factsheets

A series of free factsheets on the quality use of medicines has been produced as part of the campaign.

  • Generic medicines
  • Are new medicines better?
  • Read the label, it is important
  • Talking with your doctor or pharmacist
  • What is a medicine?
  • Using the internet
  • Remember to take your medicines

You can order the factsheets and other free information, or use the order form enclosed with this MedicinesTalk.

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What you can do

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: 2007-09-01 00:00:01

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.