Self Help
Sometimes the only way is to help yourself.
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ALCOHOL
Alcohol can interact with some medications. Alcohol misuse can cause health problems and is associated with family breakdown, crime and lost working days. Most people drink within the Alcohol Guidelines and on occasions drink at harmful levels. A small number of people drink regularly at harmful levels.
ANTIBIOTICS
Almost 50 years ago antibiotics became widely available around the world and were seen as miracles of modern medicine. Unfortunately as each year passes more bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance refers to a situation where some bacteria are no longer susceptible to the effects of antibiotics previously used to treat them. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can increase antibiotic resistance, but you, your doctor and your pharmacist can work together in the war against resistance by making sure antibiotics are used wisely.
CARER SUPPORT
A carer is a person who provides support to someone who has a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or is frail aged. There are special government and community-support services available for carers and some carers are eligible for financial help from the Australian Government.
One in eight Australians is a carer providing unpaid, informal care to someone else. A carer can be a parent, spouse, child, other relative or friend. Being a carer can be challenging - emotionally, physically and financially. A range of government and community services is available to help carers with their caring role.
COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES
Complementary medicines are also known as traditional, alternative, herbal or natural medicines. They are commonly used to relieve minor ailments and illnesses. Some can prevent or treat specific conditions. While complementary medicines are generally safe, in some people they may not be suitable. Always ask your pharmacist before you buy any complementary
medicines. Remember to say what condition you want to use the medicine for and any other medicines you are taking.
Complementary Medicines [ 294 KB]
DRUG OVERDOSE
A drug overdose can occur when more of a drug (or a combination of drugs) is taken than the body can safely handle. While this can happen with some prescription and over the counter medicines, the illegal drugs pose the biggest risk, as you have no way of knowing their quality or strength. Read the information on this card to learn more about the drugs most commonly
involved with overdose, and how overdose can be avoided and managed.
FIRST AID IN THE HOME
First aid is one of the most important skills you can learn. The information on this card covers a few common events around the home that may need first aid. To make sure you and your household know what to do in both emergency and simple first aid situations, enrol in a first aid course with St John Ambulance or Australian Red Cross.
First Aid in the Home [ 201 KB]
GENERIC MEDICINES (Brand choice - price options)
Generic brand medicines are copies of the original brand medicines. They contain the same active ingredient and are as safe and effective. You can save money by using a lower-cost brand. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor to see whether there is more than one brand of a medicine available and, if so, which might best suit you.
HELP WITH MEDICINE COSTS (Safety Net)
The Australian Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) provides all Australian residents with affordable, reliable and timely access to about 2500 brands of prescription medicines. This gives all Australians (and visitors from countries with which Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements) access to high-quality medicines at more affordable prices. Most medicines prescribed by a doctor are subsidised by the government under the
PBS.
Help with Medicine Costs [ 66 KB]
THE PBS AND YOU
The government's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) provides all Australian residents with affordable, reliable and timely access to about 2600 brands of prescription medicines. Many medicines cost much more than the price you pay, some cost hundreds of dollars, but the government provides a subsidy so that you pay much less.
MEDICINES AND DRIVING
Some medicines can affect your ability to drive, cycle or use machinery. You need to be alert and able to respond quickly to changes in your environment when doing these tasks. Not everyone is affected to the same extent and different people are affected by medicines in different ways. The danger is you may not notice the effect a medicine has until it is too late. When starting a new medicine, always ask your pharmacist if it is safe to drive, cycle or use machinery and what the warning signs are to look for. If it is not safe, DO NOT DRIVE.
SAFER INJECTING PRACTICES
Some people use illicit drugs by injecting them. Injecting drugs will always involve many risks, but there are things you can do to reduce some of these risks to yourself and to others.
Safer Injecting Practices [ 2.99 MB]
WISE USE OF MEDICINES
A medicine (drug) is a chemical substance that causes a change in the body. This includes prescription, non-prescription and complementary medicines, alcohol, nicotine and illegal drugs. The wise use of medicines involves you, your doctor and your pharmacist working together to decide the best way to use your medicines so they do the most good. If used incorrectly or
unwisely, medicines may not be effective and can cause problems or even harm.
