While bowel cancer can strike at any age group people over 50 are in a far higher risk group than younger people so don’t think that it can’t happen to you … because it can.

Up until now collecting specimens for a screening test for bowel cancer has been a messy and unpleasant task but now there’s a new method of collection available that removes most of the mess and unpleasantness. Enterix have now produced the Insure Test Kit, a convenient and easy test that requires no faecal handling and no dietary restrictions in the hours leading up to the test.

Anyone can use the kit and once you have used it all you have to do is post it back to the laboratory for analysis. A report is then posted to you and your nominated doctor and it’s that simple.

The kit costs $16.95 … not a great deal when it could mean the difference between life and death.

We’ve got the Insure Screen Test kit in stock right now at Beachside Pharmacy so call in and pick up your kit today!

Beachside Pharmacy can now provide a reliable supply of diabetes-related products to people registered under the National Diabetes Services Scheme. We can also take new registrations from people who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

If you’re a diabetic and registered with the NDSS or you’re a diabetic and want to be registered with the NDSS then we have a staff member who is specially trained in NDSS policies and procedures and can help you with your enquiries and needs.

This service is currently only available at our Scarness pharmacy

*  RELIEF           - Fast relief from the pain and irritation of skin damage
*  PROTECTION - Anti-bacterial ingredient to reduce the risk of infection.
*  HEALING        - Safe, natural healing.
*  SKIN CARE    - To keep skin naturally healthy.

Maggie’s Secret Skin Cream was originally developed by Margaret to provide personal relief from severe skin problems suffered over many years.

Tests were carried out over a period of time using various formulas comprising mainly natural ingredients. Finally Margaret achieved the results sought. She had developed a skin cream  which  provided  fast  relief  from  the discomfort of her severely cracked skin with the bonus of having an effective healing capability.

In just a few days the lifelong crippling damage to the skin of Margaret’s feet began to heal and a short time later the skin was completely healed. Similarly, the cream proved to be effective for the removal of dry spots on her face, hands, arms and legs.

Maggie’s Secret Skin Cream worked for her.

Encouraged by these results, Margaret extended trials to cover a range of skin ailments. Samples of the cream were distributed and tested with reports confirming that Maggie’s Secret Skin Cream was indeed effective for the treatment of a wide range of skin problems.

The Ingredients
A unique formula of natural products including anti-bacterial Manuka Honey Active 12+, blended with essential oils and aqueous cream. Preservative phenoxyethanol.

Active UMF Manuka Honey
Active UMF Manuka Honey was first discovered by Dr Peter Molan M.B.E of New Zealand’s Waikato University Honey Research Unit, while doing routine research on the anti-bacterial properties of honeys in general. Dr. Molan has since received an M.B.E. for his outstanding work on honey.

The anti-bacterial component is measured against Phenol in disinfectant. Only Manuka honey with a rating of 10+ or more can carry this UMF trademark. A UMF rating of 10+ or higher is recommended to effectively clear an infection. Manuka Honey UMF 12+ is the level used in Maggie’s Secret Skin Cream.

Active UMF Manuka honey has shown to be effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi including Staphylococcus aureus the most common cause of I wound infections, and the MRSA ’super bug’.

Active   Manuka   honey has the UMF factor (Unique Manuka Factor) that is not found in any other honey. Manuka honey has unique health properties, which make il special, compared to other honeys and is used in many ways tc support the healing process that the body needs to stay healthy.

Maggie’s Secret Skin Cream is a product of Maggie’s Secret Pry Ltd. ABN 26 107 328 932. For further information please visit our website at www.maggiessecret.com.au.

Of course there are a lot of myths about the flu shots that may be preventing you from having one. You’ll hear things like:

• You can catch the flu from the vaccination … you can’t!
• A good diet, vitamins and plenty of exercise will prevent you from catching the flu … they won’t!
• The flu vaccine is full of preservatives … it isn’t - it’s preservative free!

A dose of the flu can make you ill for a week or more and you’re contagious before you begin to feel any of the symptoms. Flu vaccination is both safe and effective and the vaccine will enhance your own natural immune system.

It’s recommended that everyone have a flu shot at this time of year … even very small children. So come in and talk to us today and find out just how easy it is to avoid catching the flu this year.

Men’s health issues
A number of health issues are more common in men. In some cases it is because men are simply at more risk, but often it is due to how men deal with health issues.

Heart disease - is the most common cause of death in Australia and men are twice as likely to die from it than women. Major risk factors are high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

High blood pressure - is slightly more common in men than women and the risk increases with age. Even a slightly raised blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke.

High cholesterol - men are slightly more likely than women to have high cholesterol. This becomes more common in men after the age of 35.

Prostate problems - there are three main prostate problems:
*    Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) - as men get older the prostate gland may get bigger and can upset normal flow of urine.
*    Prostate cancer - this is the most common cancer in Australian men.
*    Inflamed prostate (prostatitis) - the prostate becomes sore and swollen.
Testicular cancer - is more common in younger men, but can occur at any age. It often causes a hard, usually painless lump on a testicle.

Bowel cancer - is the second most common cause of cancer in Australia. Bowel cancer is slightly more common in men than women.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) - is when a man is unable to get or maintain an erection. ED is a common condition, but can be upsetting and embarrassing. Most men are reluctant to discuss it with their doctor. ED is not a normal part of ageing and may be caused by a medical problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Excessive drinking and smoking and some medications can also cause this problem.

Male pattern hair loss - this is a common problem which may cause great distress.

Lifestyle factors
Being overweight - Men are more likely to be overweight than women. Being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Eating - men generally eat more fat. A diet high in fat may also play a part in causing prostate cancer.

Physical activity - many men do not exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps keep weight at a healthy level, lowers blood cholesterol and improves the way the body uses glucose. Increasing physical activity may also help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.

Cigarette smoking - smoking is estimated to cause 40% of deaths in men under 65 years. Around a quarter of Australian men still smoke despite the strong link between smoking and many diseases.

Alcohol - men are more likely than women to drink harmful amounts of alcohol. Excessive drinking increases the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and depression. Alcohol can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Self care

Screening
Prostate disease
*    Digital rectal examination (DRE) - a doctor may be able to feel if the prostate is not normal by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum (back passage).
*    Prostate specific antigen (PSA) - a special blood test can help detect a prostate problem. This test has many limitations, so the doctor will advise if this test is suitable. Prostate Cancer screening is only recommended for men who are experiencing symptoms.
Bowel cancer
*    Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy - these are the best way to screen people at high risk of bowel cancer
*    Faecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) are a simple way to pick up people who may need further testing with their doctor. From the age of 50 for people without symptoms and without a family history of bowel cancer, FOBTs are recommended.
Testicular cancer
*    Monthly self examination for a hard lump in either testicle is recommended for all men to help detect this problem at an early stage.
High blood pressure
*    Blood pressure monitoring - men over 40 years old should have their blood pressure measured every year, and more often if they have high blood pressure.
Male pattern hair loss
*    There are several ways this condition can be improved - ask a doctor or pharmacist.
High cholesterol
*    Cholesterol testing - a simple blood test can pick up people with high cholesterol levels.
Lifestyle changes
*    Smoking - get ready to quit.
*    Alcohol - limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks a day.
*    Learn to relax and manage stress.
*    Men should talk about their problems with someone they trust - a friend, relative or health professional. 
*    Exercise boosts energy, increases ‘good cholesterol’ levels and makes it easier to burn off stored fat.
*    Be active at least 30 minutes each day.
*    Eat regular, healthy meals and do not skip meals. Resist food high in fat or sugar. Eat more fruit, vegetables and low fat/ high fibre foods.
*    Try not to add salt to food, control weight.

Contact
A doctor (listed under ‘Medical Practitioners’ in the yellow pages of the phone book).

For more information phone Impotence Australia on (02) 9280 0084.

A Self Care pharmacy - to locate telephone 1300 369 772 and ask for the Pharmacy Self Care Field Officer.

In case of poisoning, phone the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 from anywhere in Australia.

Pharmacists are medicines experts. Ask a pharmacist for advice when choosing a medicine

It seems that it’s the anti-oxidants in Blueberry Punch that provide the positive effects that have shown up in those university tests.

Blueberry Punch is made from ingredients that include turmeric, citrus and olive and the formula for Blueberry Punch combines those extracts with blueberry, red grape, white grape, elderberry, raspberry and other ingredients that are concentrated into a syrup

Now that may sound like a rather strange taste combination but the end result is a very pleasant tasting drink when diluted at a ratio of 1:6 with water, soda water or other mixer drink of your choice.

Blueberry Punch is available from both Beachside and Kawungan Pharmacies and our staff can provide you with more information about the full range of Dr Red products that can help you maintain your health.

The good news is there are treatments and steps that can be taken to help prevent and control problem dandruff. Understanding what dandruff is and the factors that cause it are the first steps in self care treatment and prevention - talk to your pharmacist about which treatments are best for you.

What is dandruff
A normal scalp skin sheds old cells in a cycle once every month. These old cells usually go unnoticed as there are very few of them at any one time. In dandruff the shedding of the dead skin cells from the scalp occurs at an excessive rate. The skin cells cycle every week, or even every three to four days.

Dandruff can happen at any age, but is more common from 12 years of age, peaking at 20 years of age. A form of dandruff known as cradle cap can occur in newborn babies and infants. Dandruff tends to be seasonal. It is most severe during winter and mildest during the summer.

Dandruff can cause either an overly dry scalp with small, round white to grey scales (flakes) on top of the head, which itch. Sometimes the flakes may appear yellow in colour and are waxy or greasy. Scales can occur anywhere on the scalp, in the hair, on the eyebrows, in the beard, and can spread to the neck and shoulders.

Dandruff is not dangerous, does not cause balding and is not contagious. Dandruff is a natural process and it can not be eliminated or cured. However dandruff can be effectively managed and controlled with the right treatment and self care.

Causes   
Dandruff and the fungus theory
The exact cause of dandruff is unknown. However, today most skin specialists agree that dandruff is linked with the overgrowth of a tiny fungus present on the scalp called  Pityrosporutn ovale, P. ovale for short.

This fungus lives on our bodies and scalp all the time, usually without causing any problems. Unfortunately, for some people, it can increase in number, leading to dandruff.

Another possible cause may be overactive oil glands on the scalp which cause an increase of the natural skin shedding process. Clogged oil glands on the scalp are also another possible cause. These clogged pores can lead to over-drying and flaking of the skin.

It is thought that there may be other factors that cause dandruff. Some of these factors are:
*    Hormonal changes
*    Hereditary
*    Bad hygienic habits
*    Excessive perspiration
*    Bad diet
*    Excessive use of hairsprays and gels
*    Too frequent hair-colouring or excessive use of electric curlers
*    Cold weather and dry indoor heating
*    Tight fitting hats and scarves
*    Infrequent shampooing, the use of wrong conditioners or improper rinsing of the hair
*    Long term stress, anxiety and tension
*    Allergic or hypersensitivity

Symptoms
Unsightly flakes or scales are typically present on the scalp and trapped in the hair. Whether or not these flakes are ‘oily’ or ‘dry’ may hint to the underlying cause of the dandruff. The most common symptom of dandruff is scaling with occasional itching.

Treatment and prevention of dandruff
Dandruff can disappear suddenly without treatment or may take many weeks of treatment to improve. There are steps you can take to prevent and effectively treat dandruff.

Important
Talk to a doctor if:
*    Your scalp is red, itches, bleeds or burns or if any of these conditions migrate onto your face.
*    The flaking skin is isolated in one area or in multiple areas as the condition may be a skin problem other than dandruff.
*    There are patches of hair loss.

Self care
*    Prevention of dandruff may be achieved by shampooing on a daily basis with a mild, non-medicated shampoo.
*    The scalp should be massaged gently to loosen flakes and the hair and scalp rinsed thoroughly.
*    Stronger anti-dandruff shampoos and lotions are also available - talk to your pharmacist.
*    Since dandruff shampoos and products tend to be harsh, it is important to carefully follow label directions. Doing so will ensure the safest, most effective use of the product.
*    Use shampoos containing tar if the hair starts becoming too dry.
*    Talk to your pharmacist about shampoos which contain antifungal agents.
*    Save your daily hair washing until after your exercise workout.
*    Use a conditioner. Try a ‘leave-in’ conditioner; it acts as a moisturiser for your scalp.
*    Try to avoid using hair gels and other products that contain alcohol, which tend to dry out the scalp.

Contact:
A doctor - listed under ‘medical practitioners’ in the yellow pages of the phone book

A Self Care pharmacy - to locate telephone 1300 369 772 and ask for the Pharmacy Self Care Field Officer.

In case of poisoning, phone the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 from anywhere in Australia.

Pharmacists are medicines experts. Ask a pharmacist for advice when choosing a medicine.

The two main types of drugs involved in over - dose are depressant drugs and stimulant drugs.

Depressant drugs - reduce activity in the nervous system examples include:
*    Heroin
*    Morphine
*    Methadone
*    Sleeping pills
*    Benzodiazepines e.g. Valium, Serepax 
*    Alcohol.

An overdose of a depressant drug slows the nervous system down to a dangerous level. This can stop a person’s breathing.

Stimulant drugs - speed up the nervous system, examples include:
*    Amphetamines
*    Designer drugs (e.g. ecstasy)
*    Caffeine
*    Nicotine.

An overdose of a stimulant drug speeds up the body, sometimes to a dangerous level. This can cause high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate and increased body temperature.

Important
If a drug overdose has been taken or you suspect someone has taken an overdose:
*     Try to stay calm.
*     Dial 000 and tell them you need the ambulance service.
*     Tell the ambulance service where the person is.
*     Tell the ambulance operator the person’s condition -are they breathing? Do they have a pulse? This will determine priority.
*     Tell the operator a drug overdose has occurred.
*     Tell the operator if you know what drugs have been taken and if possible how many.
*     Stay with the person until an ambulance arrives. You may have valuable information for the ambulance officers which could save time. This could be the difference between life and death.

If you are worried someone might have overdosed, but you don’t think they need an ambulance, watch them very closely and check on them every few minutes. Call an ambulance if you have any concerns.

Who is at risk of overdose?
An overdose can happen just as easily to an experienced drug user or an inexperienced user. In most cases of fatal overdose with drugs such as heroin, other drugs are found in the blood stream at the same time. While too much heroin can cause death, a mixture of drugs (a drug ‘cocktail’) is often more dangerous and its effects are unpredictable.

How a drug affects one person may be different to how it affects someone else. It can depend upon:
*    The tolerance of the user i.e. how sensitive their body is to the drug, and how often they’ve been using.
*    The quantity of the drug taken.
*    The mix of drugs i.e. what other drugs they have taken which would still be in their system.
*    The way the drugs are taken e.g. injected, swallowed or inhaled.

Treating heroin/opiate overdose
If a person has overdosed with heroin or other opiates, the drug Narcan can reverse the effects of the drug immediately. Once the Narcan wears off, it is possible to slip back to the original overdose condition, especially if heroin is used again soon after.

Narcan is the brand name for naloxone.

Self care and caring for others
The best way to prevent a drug overdose is to take only legally manufactured and distributed drugs, as directed and/or prescribed.
*    Avoid drug cocktails.
*    Purchase from the same supplier.
*    Try small or ’short’ tastes first to check the strength of the drug.
*    Use in a secure place or with other people so that help is near if needed.
*    If you are injecting for the first time or have had a break from injecting, always use a lower dose.
*    If you take stimulant drugs such as ‘ecstasy’ and are dancing, do not drink too much too quickly (this has proven fatal in the past due to rapid dilution of the blood). It is best to sip drinks slowly and regularly.
*    Learn relevant first aid skills e.g. Cardio Pulmonary Resusciation (CPR). This may help if others overdose in your company.
*    If somebody who has used drugs is asleep and you can not wake them up, they may have overdosed and their life may be in danger - dial 000.
*    If a person is unconscious but still has a pulse and is breathing, roll them onto their side - dial 000.
*    If a person is not breathing but they have a pulse, check their airway, and when this is clear, give them mouth-to-mouth resuscitation - get somebody else to dial 000.
•    If a person is not breathing and has no pulse, start CPR - get somebody else to dial 000.
•    If you have overdosed you are strongly advised to talk to a counsellor or doctor. Some states have Overdose Response Support Workers who are there to listen and assist you.

WARNING!
The following will not help to stop or reverse the effects when a person has taken a drug overdose:
*    Putting them under a shower
*    Injecting them with salty water or speed
*    Walking them around
*    Making them vomit
*    Slapping or yelling at them.

These actions can be dangerous and should not be attempted.

Remember - Check with your state/ territory user organisation so you know what the laws and procedures are in your state regarding police attendance. Even if you live in a state where the police are called, a person’s life may be at stake - the worst thing that can happen is that someone dies.

Contact numbers
A doctor - listed under Medical Practitioners in the yellow pages of the phone book

Further information and counselling service contact telephone numbers:

Ambulance Service tel. 000

Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 from anywhere in Australia.

The body can lose a lot of fluid through vomiting and diarrhoea, causing dehydration. Dehydration can cause serious, even life-threatening illness, especially in the very young or very old. Ask a pharmacist about suitable treatments for the family.

Causes
Viral infections of the gut - Viruses are common causes of gastroenteritis (’gastro’). The infection starts with sudden onset and often vomiting occurs before any diarrhoea. Often the first symptoms are those of a cold and perhaps a cough. In most cases the infection is short-lived, lasting 2-3 days, although diarrhoea may last a little longer.

Bacterial infections of the gut - these infections are the cause of food poisoning. Symptoms usually occur 12-48 hours after eating infected food. There is a sudden onset of frequent diarrhoea, stomach pains (often described as a ‘colicky7 pain) and vomiting.

Other infections - In some patients, especially infants and small children, diarrhoea and/ or vomiting can be a sign of serious illness, such as blood poisoning. If a child appears very unwell, or is not taking fluids orally, or there is any cause for concern, see a doctor immediately.

Chronic diarrhoea - Recurring or persistent diarrhoea may be as a result of an irritable bowel or inflammation of the bowel. See a doctor if there are frequent bouts of diarrhoea or if diarrhoea persists longer than 2-3 days. In rare cases in adults, a chronic change in bowel habit can be a sign of cancer of the gut. If this sort of change occurs, see a doctor straight away.
 
Medicines - Some medicines may cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Stopping some medicines may also cause diarrhoea. Those who suspect any medicines may be causing vomiting or diarrhoea should talk to a pharmacist.
Other causes - Excess alcohol and anxiety are other possible causes of diarrhoea.

IMPORTANT  
See a doctor if you have diarrhoea when:  
*    Bowel motions contain blood.  
*    You are losing weight.  
*    It is severe with dehydration.  
*    It persists longer than 2-3 days - - earlier for the elderly and the very young (under two years of age).  
*    You have severe abdominal pain or a high fever (greater than 38°C).  

Risks
*    Babies, young children, the elderly and people who have chronic illnesses can become dehydrated very quickly as a result of vomiting and diarrhoea. Urgent rehydration is required, as serious or even life-threatening dehydration illness can result.
*    Diarrhoea can cause some temporary damage to the bowel lining. This may make the bowel unable to cope with lactose (found in dairy products) for a short time. If dairy products make the diarrhoea worse, they should be avoided until it subsides.

Dehydration: warning signs
*    More than eight runny bowel motions in 24 hours.
*    Vomiting (can not keep anything down).
*    Going for 10 hours or more without passing urine (2-3 hours in children).
*    When the skin is pinched it stays up for a second or two.
*    Irritable, sleepy or ‘floppy’ child.
*    Sunken eyes or shadows under the eyes.
*    ‘Soft spot’ in top of baby’s head is sunken more than usual.
*    Changed breathing - either quick, or slow and deep.
*    Skin feels cold and clammy.
*    Dry mouth, tongue and lips, or no tears.

Rehydration
*    Make up the rehydration solution exactly as listed on the packet - ask a pharmacist if unsure.
*    Sip the solution whenever vomiting or a runny bowel motion occurs.
*    Adults need to drink 2-3 litres of solution in 24 hours to keep hydrated. Ask a pharmacist how much to give children.
*    Make up new solution every 24 hours and keep it in the fridge.

Medicines
Medicines (e.g. loperamide, diphenoxylate) are available in pharmacies for adults and children greater than 12 years of age to stop diarrhoea. Ask your pharmacist if these medicines are suitable for you. It is still important to follow the self care recommendations as well.

Self care
Babies
*    Keep breastfeeding the baby, offer the breast more often, and offer rehydration solution between feeds.
*    Replace other milk or formula with oral rehydration solution for 24 hours.
*    Give half-strength formula for the next 24 hours, or try a lactose-free formula if necessary - ask a pharmacist.
*    Sterilise babies’ bottles and dummies as well as items used to measure, mix or store made-up formula, juice or water.
*    Put made-up and sterilised formula back in the fridge as quickly as possible.
*    Throw away any leftover formula or milk.

Children and adults
*    Use rehydration solution to replace fluids.
*    After vomiting stops keep sipping fluids and eat if hungry. Avoid sweet foods. Try starchy foods e.g. rice, potatoes, bread or dry biscuits, cooked cereals, yoghurt.
*    Avoid undiluted sweet/sugary drinks -they can make diarrhoea worse.

Preventing gastro
Gastro bugs can get into food (especially milk) from unwashed hands, kitchen surfaces and eating utensils. They also grow in food kept warm. Keep cooked food hot, or put it in the fridge. Insist on everyone washing their hands after going to the toilet, changing nappies, handling animals and before touching food. Other precautions should be taken when travelling (see Travel Health Fact Card).

Contact
A doctor - listed under ‘Medical Practitioners’ in the yellow pages of the phone book

Internet sites: Gastroenterological Society of Australia - www.gesa.org.au

The Gut Foundation - www.gut.nsw.edu.au

A Self Care pharmacy - to locate telephone 1300 369 772 and ask for the Pharmacy Self Care Field Officer.

In case of poisoning, phone the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 from anywhere in Australia.

Pharmacists are medicines experts. Ask your pharmacist
for advice when choosing a medicine.

When companies develop a new medicine, the active ingredient is named (often referred to as the ‘generic drug’ name), and it is also given an original brand name. As an example, amoxycillin is an active ingredient (generic drug) name; Amoxil is one brand name.

The first company to make the new medicine has exclusive rights to market its product (a patent or copyright) for a number of years. Other companies cannot market a copy of the original brand medicine until the patent expires.

Generic brand medicines - contain the same active ingredients, are of the same dosage form (e.g. tablets or liquid) and are the same strength as the original brand medicine. This means that different brands work in the same way in the body, with potentially the same risks and benefits.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - is responsible for assessing and registering all medicines in Australia. This is important for public health and safety.

Before a prescription medicine can be put on the market in Australia or listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), an expert team of doctors, scientists and pharmacists make sure that it is:
*    Of good quality
*    Safe
*    Effective, including cost effective
*    Correctly labelled and packaged.

Companies which produce generic medicines must adhere to the same quality standardsand have the same tight manufacturing controls as companies making original brand medicines. In fact, original and generic brand medicines are sometimes made by the same company.

Different brands - of a medicine may contain different inactive ingredients. They may be a different colour, shape, or size, or may taste different. The type of container or packaging may be different, for example, a bottle or blister foil pack. Differences in formulation or outer packaging do not affect how the medicine works.

Medicines also contain other inactive ingredients such as preservatives, flavourings, colourings or fillers, and there is a rare possibility that an allergic reaction could occur to one of these inactive ingredients.

Important
*    Consumer Medicine Information leaflets provide helpful information on the ingredients in a medicine. It is important to read the leaflet carefully when starting a new medicine or using a different brand.
*    If you know you are allergic to a particular inactive ingredient, for example lactose or gluten, check with the pharmacist before using a new medicine.

Advantages of different brands
The competition that results from more brands can mean lower prices overall and differences in prices for PBS medicines for consumers. Because generic medicines are copies of an original brand medicine, the generic companies do not have to repeat all of the early research, development and marketing costs of the original company.

The competition that results from more brands can mean lower prices overall and differences in prices for PBS medicines for consumers.

Knowing about the availability of different brands may help you save money and exercise choice about which medicine you use. Lower cost does not mean lower quality - original and generic brands are equally as good and work equally well.

Just as with any other product, you may have particular preferences about your medicines, for example:
*    Types of packaging for ease of opening or storage
*    Shape or size for ease of swallowing or administering to children
*    The company that manufactures it
*    Price.

The difference in price between different brands may vary. The amount may or may not be important to you or your family. You can ask about any differences in price before you make a decision about brand choice.

Self Care
*    If you change to a different brand, check the active ingredient (generic drug name) on the label carefully to make sure you do not take the same medicine twice (double dose) or that you do not replace the wrong medicine.
*    Show your Medicare/Repatriation and/or concession card every time you have a prescription filled.
*    Ask the pharmacist about the PBS Safety Net, and keep a prescription record form so you will know when you qualify for the PBS Safety Net.
*    Always store medicine(s) according to the instructions in the product leaflet or on the packaging and keep all medicines safely out of reach of children.

Remember
*    For prescription medicines - less expensive does not mean lower quality.
*    All brands of a medicine meet the same safety standards and are just as effective.
*    Your pharmacist can dispense a different brand at your request in most cases; however, it can be a good idea to check with your doctor.
*    You have the choice. If you want a particular brand for any reason - ask your pharmacist. If you are offered the choice of a different brand, but do not want it - It is okay to say ‘No’.
*    If you choose or are prescribed a more expensive brand, you will need to pay the difference between your brand and the lowest priced brand - this amount does not count towards the Safety Net.
*    Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any concerns.

Contact:
PBS Infoline 1800 020 613

A doctor - listed under ‘Medical Practitioners’ in the yellow pages of the phone book

A Self Care pharmacy - to locate telephone 1300 369 772 and ask for the Pharmacy Self Care Field Officer

In case of poisoning, phone the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 from anywhere in Australia.

Pharmacists are medicines experts. Ask a pharmacist for advice when choosing a medicine.