The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme - or PBS - is an Australian Government program that provides Australian citizens and eligible overseas visitors with subsidised prescription drugs where necessary. The scheme ensures that all Australians have access to affordable and ethical medical treatment. The scheme began in 1948 to provide free medicines to pensioners and comprised a list of 139 'life saving and disease preventing' medicines for others in the community.

What does it mean to get a generic or a brand medication?

When getting a prescription filled at the chemist the pharmacist may ask you if you want to purchase a cheaper generic brand. Many people are confused by this question and want to know “what is the difference”? Is the cheaper brand inferior to the more expensive brand? Generic brands of medication contain the same active ingredients in the same dosage; they are just produced by a different pharmaceutical company at a lower price. Unless your doctor specifies otherwise on a prescription, buying the generic brand will be just as effective as the branded product.

Smiling pharmacist in front of medicine shelves.

What is over the counter medication, and why don’t I need a prescription?

There are different types of medication, some that your GP needs to prescribe, and medication that pharmacists can dispense over the counter without a prescription.

Pharmacy shelves stacked with medicines.

What can a pharmacist tell me about the medication I’ve been prescribed?

A pharmacist has extensive knowledge of medicines and is an important source of information and advice on how to treat common ailments and the various treatments available.

What are some common side effects of cold and flu medication?

Medications for colds are flus are designed to relieve and alleviate symptoms such as fever, sneezing, sinus conditions and coughing. Most of these medications can be found in your local pharmacy and can be purchased without prescription. Medicines of any type, prescribed or over the counter, can cause adverse reactions or side-affects in some people. The reactions will vary greatly depending on the individual and it is important to be informed and understand potential side-affects.

Sick person pouring cough medicine onto a spoon.

Side effects from cold and flu medications

With colds and flu, most of the medications used are available directly from your pharmacist or chemist. The most common side effect of cold and flu medications is drowsiness, so it is best not to drive or operate machinery. Some of the medications are specifically designed to be taken at night, to prevent drowsiness during the day. It is important to tell your pharmacist or doctor if you have any other adverse reaction to any medication.

Consumer Medicine Information

Most medicine will come with an information sheet within the packaging. Some medications have a supporting consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet, which the pharmacist can print out and give to you. The CMI sheet will provide you with a range of information about the medication from how to take it, how it works and any potential side-effects.

Talk to your pharmacist about the common side effects of cold and flu medications.

Julian Henwood

Article source: Article Source: Qualified Pharmacologist and Medical Writer

03 October 2011

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What are some common side effects of cold and flu medication?

Side effects from cold and flu medications

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Other than prescription drugs what other services might a pharmacy offer?

What is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and how does it work?

What does it mean to get a generic or a brand medication?

What is over the counter medication, and why don’t I need a prescription?

What can a pharmacist tell me about the medication I’ve been prescribed?

What are some common side effects of cold and flu medication?

Medical, Health & Wellbeing: Medical & Health, Pharmacies

Side effects from cold and flu medications

Consumer Medicine Information