Be medicinewise

Page last updated: 18 February 2011

Be medicinewise is an initiative of the National Prescribing Service consumer program NPS MedicineWise.

Be medicinewise explains why we all need to pay more attention to our medicines and encourages you to ask ‘Why?’ before you take any medicine, and to know where you can find helpful and reliable medicines information.  Medicines come in many forms and include vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, gels and more. For many you will need a prescription, but you can also obtain medicines over-the-counter at pharmacies, supermarkets, online or even from your health foods store.

Being medicinewise will help you make better health decisions for yourself and for those in your care.

Almost all of us take medicines at some time and it is easy to take them for granted.  By being medicinewise you will know what you’re taking and why and how it could affect you and even whether taking a medicine is the best option.  Knowing about your medicines will help you get the most benefit while reducing risks such as side effects and adverse interactions.

Being medicinewise will also help you find out more about your medicines.  Remember though, if you are unsure about something always seek information from your health provider or pharmacist or click on the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) when you look up information on your medicine or visit the MedicineWise website.

The Be medicinewise campaign will soon give you information on managing lower back pain, children’s pain and fever medicines as well as managing pain in chronic conditions.  You will also get more information on why different brands of the same medicine can be a safe option, ‘including explaining why there are often different brands of your medicine, why it is important to find the active ingredient, and how having options benefits you.

Over the coming months there will be lots more information on what it means to be medicinewise and why it is important.  Visit the MedicineWise website  and follow them on Twitter and Facebook for information, resources and tips to help you better understand your medicines and make better choices about your health and those that you care for.

Be medicinewise has been developed by NPS MedicineWise,  the consumer facing name of the National Prescribing Service Limited, an independent organisation funded by the Department of Health to provide evidence-based medicine information and tools for health professionals and consumers.