No matter how healthy you are, chances are you've taken prescription drugs at some point in your life. All too often, we get the doctor's prescription filled at the chemist and pop the pills without much further ado. But there are some important considerations to make about cost and safety - such as the price of generics versus branded drugs, and the dangers of mixing medicines.
Prescription medicines
Prescription medicines
What you need to know about the cost and safety of prescription drugs.
Articles
Panadol and Nurofen vs generics: Which is better?
Are Panadol and Nurofen any better than generic paracetamol and ibuprofen?
Where to find the cheapest paracetamol, ibuprofen and more
We compare the price of common over-the-counter medication from supermarkets and pharmacies.
Nurofen Plus, Panadeine no longer sold without prescription
The reclassification of low-dose codeine medications means they'll no longer be available over the counter.
Nurofen offers $3.5m settlement in class action
"Specific pain" products were sold for twice the price despite having the same active ingredient as ordinary Nurofen.
The dangers of mixing medicines
How medication mix-ups can cost money and lives.
Foods and medications that don't mix
Some food and drugs out there should never be taken together
Fasting diets may affect medication
Taking your medicine on an empty stomach could alter its action or have unwanted side effects.
80,000 defective EpiPens recalled by TGA
Sabotages release of adrenaline.
Panadol targeted pain range discontinued
20 July 2016 | Panadol stops producing Back & Neck range after Nurofen fine.
Nurofen to pay $1.7m for misleading pain relief claims
Penalty falls well below ACCC's $6m target.
Paracetamol, aspirin to be removed from PBS
4 November 2015 | A number of common over-the-counter medicines will no longer be subsidised as prescription drugs.
Antidepressants and painkillers a risky combo
3 September 2015 | Could taking both antidepressants and NSAID painkillers increase your risk of bleeding in the brain?
Paracetamol no better than placebo for certain pain
16 April 2015 | A recent review finds no evidence that paracetamol is effective for osteoarthritis and low back pain.
Generic vs branded drugs: What's the difference?
Generic prescription medications are the same as their branded counterparts in terms of efficacy and safety, but they can save you a lot of money.
Drug company influence on GPs
How much influence do drug companies have on what your GP prescribes you?
Save money on medicine
Does the cost of medicine make you feel ill? Reduce your costs with these simple tips.
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