Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Understand why you are taking your medication, how to take it, how to store it and what to do if you have unexpected or serious side effects by discussing this with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • The most common reason for unexpected side effects is not taking medication correctly. Make sure you take your medication exactly the way your doctor or pharmacist advises you to and for as long as they tell you to.
  • Tell your doctor about all the medication you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins and herbal supplements, as they may cause side effects or more serious problems.
  • Throw out any out-of-date medication you have at home and never take someone else’s prescription medication or share your own with someone else
  • Any pharmacist can dispose of any unwanted medicines safely.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 20-10-2015