The 20th to the 26th August this year (2018) is NPS Medicinewise Week.

NPS Medicinewise is an “an independent, not-for-profit and evidence-based organisation that works to improve the way health technologies, medicines and medical tests are prescribed and used”.

They develop resources for consumers and health professionals on “the safe and wise use of medicines and health technologies”.

A primary goal of Medicinewise week is to alert consumers to the medicine related resources that are available to them.

 

Why would you care?

It is likely that you, or someone you care about, relies on regular medication to treat an existing illness or condition. NPS wants you to be well informed about those medications, so that you can ensure you (or your loved one) is getting the maximum benefit from that treatment. Medicines taken incorrectly or without regular review can lead to unwanted side effects, or at worst, cause harm.

Whilst your treating doctor or medical professionals has a responsibility to inform you about your medications, you also have a responsibility to yourself to be knowledgeable about what you are putting in your body.

 

Here are 5 resources to be aware of:

The Medicine Information phone line for questions you might have about your medications – 1300 633 424 (1300 MEDICINE)

The Adverse Medicine Events Line to report a problem with medicines, medical devices or vacciness – 1300 134 237

The NPS Medicinewise Consumer Information section on their website – https://www.nps.org.au/medical-info/consumer-info

The MedicineWise mobile app, available on iOS and Android, to help you manage your medications – https://www.nps.org.au/news/introducing-the-new-medicinewise-app

The NPS MedicineWise social media accounts if you want to follow them – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram.

 

To learn more about Be Medicinewise Week for 2018, visit the website – https://www.nps.org.au/bemedicinewise