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Translated medicines information for the Korean communityTranslated medicines information for the Korean community
Medicines come in many forms including: tablets, inhalers, injections, eye drops, lotions, drinks, suppositories and patches.
Medicines don’t just come on prescription from doctors but also from pharmacies, dentists, alternative practitioners, health food shops and supermarkets.
It is very important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you are using, including: prescription medicines, over-the counter medicines, vitamins, traditional and herbal medicines, minerals, nutritional supplements and any medicines you have brought with you from overseas.
Although medicines can make you feel better and help you get well, it’s important to know that all medicines have both benefits and risks. In fact, 140,000 Australians are admitted to hospital each year due to problems related to their medicines.
Some of the risks involved with using medicine include:
- Harmful reactions when the medicine is combined with certain foods, beverages, vitamins, and traditional or other medicines. The more of these you combine, the greater the chance of a reaction.
- The medicine not working as expected.
- The medicine causing additional health problems.
Information resources
The information resources available below will help you become more familiar with medicines, manage medicines safely and learn more about your medicine options. Available in both Korean and English, the resources below include:
- the Medimate brochure
- a downloadable Medicines List to help you keep track of your medicines by name and dose
- Managing pain factsheet
- read more information about your medicine brand choices
- information about conducting a Home Medicines Review with your doctor and a local pharmacist.
If you would like to know more about your medicines, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Ask for an interpreter if you have difficulty communicating. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to call the Australian Government’s Translating and Interpreting Service on 1300 131 450.
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This brochure can help you understand and use medicines in partnership with your doctor, pharmacist, and other health professionals. |
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Keep a list of all your medicines. Show it to your doctor or pharmacist each time you visit. |
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This bilingual factsheet has information about managing pain and over-the-counter pain relief medicines. |
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Why are we offered a choice of medicine? brochure A bilingual brochure to help you understand your choice of medicine brands and the importance of knowing the active ingredient in your medicine. |
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Your doctor and pharmacist can work together to review all your medicines. Find out more about a home medicines review. |
Other websites
For other translated health information see the following websites:
- NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service
- Diversity Health Institute Clearinghouse
- Victorian Government Health Translations Directory
- Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
NPS Medicines Line
Call Medicines Line on 1300 633 424 (1300 MEDICINE). NPS works with healthdirect Australia to provide consumers with information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines. The service is available Mon-Fri 9am–5pm AEST for the cost of a local call (mobiles may cost more).
If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask to speak to Medicines Line on 1300 633 424 (1300 MEDICINE). Medicines Line is not an emergency service.
NPS and the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) work together to promote the safe and wise use of medicines with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
For more information, please email us.
Date published: 2011-07-13 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.
