Be a smart bunny with your medicines this Easter long weekend

With Australians preparing to hit the road for the upcoming Easter long weekend and school holidays, NPS MedicineWise is reminding anyone who takes prescription medicines to take them with you on your travels.

NPS MedicineWise CEO and pharmacist Steve Morris says medicines are a part of life for the 9 million Australian adults who take a prescription medicine every day*.

Don’t forget!

“Forgetting to bring your medicines along with you, or forgetting to take your medicines at the usual time are easy mistakes to make when your routine is changed, such as during the holidays,” says Mr Morris.

“Taking a medicine as prescribed is important, and taking it incorrectly—whether missing one dose or forgetting to bring it on your holiday altogether—could mean you aren’t getting the full benefit, and you may be at risk of health problems caused by not sticking to your medicines routine,” he says.

Being prepared is one way to make sure you don’t have any medicines mishaps these holidays.

“Making sure you have a supply of medicines to last while you’re away, or bringing your prescription with you, will help you to keep taking your medicines over the break,” says Mr Morris.

“If you’ve accidentally skipped a dose of your usual medicine, taken it at the wrong time, or completely forgotten to bring any prescription medicines for you or your family on holidays, then we recommend talking to a health professional to get some personalised advice.

“A local pharmacist at your destination in Australia may be able to assist with contacting your usual pharmacy if repeats for your medicine are available, or your usual doctor to obtain a prescription. For some medicines your pharmacist may be able to issue an emergency supply. If this is not possible you may need to visit a general practitioner at your destination,” he says.

Seek out good medicines information

Other ways to seek out good quality, accurate, evidence-based information include looking up the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) leaflet for your medicine on the NPS MedicineWise website or in our free MedicineWise smartphone app.

For more information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines (herbal, ‘natural’, vitamins and minerals) from a health professional, call NPS Medicines Line on 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) for the cost of a local call (calls from mobiles may cost more). Hours of operation are Monday–Friday 9am–5pm AEST (excluding public holidays).

Over the Easter holiday break, 24 hour health advice is available from healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.

*YouGov Galaxy poll for NPS MedicineWise conducted in July 2018.
The study of 1,015 Australians aged 18 and over found 49% of respondents took a prescription medicine every day.

ENDS

Spokespeople are available for media interviews.