Ask Your Pharmacist ... For More Information

Ask Your Pharmacist ... For More Information

1 September 2009

Media release

Having access to reliable information about the medications you take will help you better understand your medicines and equip you to play a bigger role in the management of your own health. That's why, during Ask Your Pharmacist Week 2009 (31 August 6 September), Australians are being encouraged to "Ask Your Pharmacist for more information".

If you would like more information about your medicines, ask for a Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet from your local community pharmacy. Provided free of charge to pharmacy customers, CMIs are reader-friendly documents that provide information about prescription medicines.

CMIs are written in plain English by the pharmaceutical company that makes the medicine. They answer common questions about the medicine, including what it is for; how to use it properly; things to consider before taking it; and any known side effects. A CMI can be provided when someone is starting a new medicine for the first time, or whenever a customer asks for it.

While CMIs are a valuable resource, reading one does not take the place of counselling by a health professional. It is still important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health and medicines.

"The best thing about a CMI is that you can take it home and read it at your leisure. It might even jog your memory about something you may have forgotten to tell your GP, which can then help you to avoid potential problems and achieve a better health outcome," National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Kos Sclavos, said.

"You often hear that 'knowledge is power'. This is certainly true in terms of looking after your health. Having access to reliable information about your medicines allows you to work in partnership with your health professionals to get the best results."

With the rise of the internet, people can find a vast range of information at home, but there is a need for caution when dealing with issues relating to health.

"The best way to guarantee you are getting reliable information about your medicines is to ask your pharmacist for a CMI. Meanwhile, one website that can be relied upon for authentic and trustworthy information on medicines is www.medicines.org.au. At this website, you can find CMIs for most of the prescription medicines available in Australia. There is also a great range of health information available on the recently redesigned Ask Your Pharmacist website at www.askyourpharmacist.com.au," Mr Sclavos said.

For further media enquiries phone Rachel Chin or Michael Pittman on 02 6270 1888.

SOURCE: The Pharmacy Guild of Australia