What is it?
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is designed to inform consumers about prescription and pharmacist-only medicines. It provides information about a medicine and is written by the pharmaceutical manufacturer.
A CMI gives you important facts to know before, during and after taking your medicine.
The content of a CMI is defined by legislation and includes headings such as how to take your medicines, side effects and a description of the product. The legislation ensures the leaflet is accurate, unbiased and easy to use.
How do you use it?
Be sure to check that the brand name (usually in largest text) on your medicine exactly matches with the leaflet, to ensure you've chosen the right one.
Read the entire CMI before taking a new medicine, or to learn more about a medicine you're already taking, to ensure you get the best and safest use of the medicine.
Take it with you to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss any questions about medicines.
Keep it handy so you can refer to it later.
Don't use it to try and diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness yourself.
Where else can you get a copy?
Ask your pharmacist or doctor and they will print it from their computer.
Contact the Medical Information Department of the pharmaceutical manufacturer of your medicine. Find their number in the phone book.
Sometimes you get the Consumer Medicine Information leaflet inside the medicine packet or box.
Sometimes you can find the CMI inside the packet or box. If not, you can:
- search the name of your medicine above and download it from this website
- call Medicines Line on 1300 633 424 for the cost of a local call. You can ring Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm, Eastern Standard Time
- ask your pharmacist or doctor and they will print it from their computer
- contact the Medical Information Department of the pharmaceutical company that made your medicine. Find their number in the phone book.
Be medicinewise
