Being medicinewise
NPS MedicineWise has a wide range of resources to help individuals, community groups and health services to promote being medicinewise.
Being medicinewise will help you make better health decisions and get the most benefit from your medicines, safely.
This resource hub is updated regularly with links to our articles and resources for you to share with your networks.
We will not be holding a Be Medicinewise Week in 2021, but encourage you to get in touch with us directly if we can assist you in promoting our medicinewise messages.
Being medicinewise during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic it is especially important to be medicinewise.
NPS MedicineWise is regularly updating its coronavirus hub with important information for consumers.
Choosing Wisely Australia has issued pandemic guidance of particular importance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to be medicinewise
Medicines are part of most people’s lives. Here are four simple tips for being medicinewise.
- Know all the medicines you take and why you take them. Keeping an up-to-date medicines list is a great way to keep track of your medicines.
- Understand the instructions for taking your medicines. Medicines only work if you are taking them properly, and you can only take them properly if you understand the instructions.
- Check with your health professional before starting any new medicine. A health professional can help you balance the benefits of a medicine with any potential risks.
- Ask questions if there is anything you don’t understand about your medicines. Seeking information from a trusted source can help you get the most out of your medicines, safely.
Download our resources
Medicines lists
NPS MedicineWise has created Medicines Lists for download, which are available in English, Arabic, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, Croatian, Greek, Italian, Korean, Macedonian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Medicines lists in community languages
Choosing Wisely 5 questions
Use these 5 questions to ask your doctor or other healthcare provider to make sure you end up with the right amount of care — not too much and not too little. Available in English, Arabic, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, Croatian, Farsi, Greek, Italian, Korean, Macedonian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.
5 Questions to ask your doctor or other healthcare providerInformation on how to be medicinewise
Social media video resources
Videos promoting medicinewise behaviour have been developed and are available for embedding on websites and using on social media. Please contact us for stand-alone versions of these videos for display in clinical or community settings.
Social media posts for sharing
Our Facebook collection of 'quality use of medicines' information for Australian consumers.
Being medicinewise videos on facebook
A collection of consumer-focused 'Being medicinewise' tweets to retweet from your organisation's Twitter account.
Being medicinewise tweetsVideos for sharing
What happens when two pills go on a blind date?
On this week's episode of Medicine Match, we send two pills on a blind date. Will they clash or will it be #HapPILLyeverafter?
Being medicinewise lesson 1:
What is this medicine for?
Being medicinewise lesson 2:
What are the active ingredients?
Being medicinewise lesson 3:
How do I take my medicines correctly?
Being medicinewise lesson 4:
What are the side effects and what can you do?
Tips from a pharmacist
Tips from a child life therapist
Tips from a nurse
Five questions to ask
Pandemic guidance for consumers
Asking about the risk of a test or procedure
Find the right questions to ask
Old vs new: It's OK to ask questions
Do you ask questions?
The videos are available for download and can also be used for display in GP practices, hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Previous Be Medicinewise Weeks
2019
We encouraged Australian to get to know the language of medicines.
2018
We encouraged Australian families to make good decisions about medicines, medical tests and other health choices.
2017
We reminded Australians that medicine misuse can happen to anyone.
2016
We encouraged people to ask the right questions, ask the right people and follow the right advice to get the most out of their medicines.
30k video views
2015
Jimmy Rees (from ‘Giggle and Hoot’) helped us remind parents and carers how to properly administer medicines to children.
732 media hits
2014
Dr D’Arcy returned to encourage older Australians to prepare for any medicine-related issues they might face.
270 media hits
2013
Bert Newton and Dr John D’Arcy were celebrity ambassadors, asking older Australians to take a medicine challenge each day.
10k web visits
2012
Following its success, the campaign ran annually. We encouraged people to understand medicines and their active ingredients.
3.5M reached
2011
Be Medicinewise Week sparked a national conversation on the safe and wise use of medicines. The campaign was featured on Channel 7, TMS, radio and included brand ambassadors like Mel Doyle.
1.5M reached