Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE)

We collaborate with healthdirect Australia to deliver Medicines Line, a telephone service providing consumers with information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary (herbal, ‘natural’, vitamin and mineral) medicines.

When you call 1300 MEDICINE from all states and territories in Australia (except Queensland and Victoria), you will speak with an experienced registered nurse. Your question may be answered on the spot, or you may be referred to your GP or pharmacist, or to another health professional. If you have a complex enquiry, you may be put through to an NPS MedicineWise pharmacist.

When you call 1300 MEDICINE from Queensland or Victoria, you will be connected directly with an NPS MedicineWise Pharmacist.

Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) from anywhere in Australia.

Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST (excluding NSW public holidays).

This telephone service is not for emergencies, medical advice or second opinions.

Medicines Line does not provide:

• emergency services. If you have concerns about an overdose or suspected poisoning, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 any time. For general emergencies call 000 
  
• medical advice or second opinions on the medicines recommended by your health professional.
  

Information provided by Medicines Line includes:

• how a medicine works
  
• how to take medicines
  
• side effects
  
• interactions with other medicines
  
• medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding
  
• medicines for children
  
• storage of medicines
  
• how to obtain consumer medicine information (CMI) for your prescription medicines
  
• referrals to reliable services and support organisations, e.g. support organisations for people with your health condition
  
• promotion of the quality use of medicines and provision of information that is independent, evidence-based, appropriate and safe
  
• encouraging responsible use of medicines by increasing public awareness about medicines.
  

In addition to receiving information, callers will be encouraged to discuss the information with their own doctor or pharmacist, who are best placed to help interpret the medicines information.

NPS MedicineWise is bound by and observes all obligations it may have under the National Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 in respect of collection, storage and use of your personal information. Read the 'NPS MedicineWise privacy policy or ask one of our pharmacists.

Read more information about the services available from healthdirect Australia.