About this guide

Information and Cost Sources

Adverse Reactions

For further information

About this guide

• This guide provides an overview of medicines in the NZ health system
• Information is presented in a summary format to convey key points and provide links to more detailed information
• Key sources of information in this guide are MedSafe, PHARMAC and CARM (the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring) - links to relevant detailed information from these sources are provided
• We welcome suggestions to improve this guide and hope you find it a useful starting point

Information and Cost Sources

MedSafe - for medicine information

The MedSafe website is the main source of information on medicines for consumers in NZ
About MedSafe and the products it regulates and about Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) - useful information about your medicine written for consumers/patients

PHARMAC - for medicine cost

About the Pharmaceutical Management Agency of New Zealand, the Pharmaceutical Schedule and subsidised medicines
The Pharmaceutical Schedule is where you go to find out if your medicine is subsidised

Adverse Reactions

Reporting Adverse Reactions

Where to report adverse reactions, what they can be reported for (includes medicines, vaccines, over the counter and herbal), and who can report (includes self-reporting - you)

For further information

• MedSafe
• Consumer Medicine Information
• Pharmaceutical Schedule for information about what medicines are funded in New Zealand, and how much they might cost you
• PHARMAC Online - for ordering resources
• Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring

Last updated: January 2012

DISCLAIMER

The information above is of a general nature and is designed to provide you with an overview of the topic with links to resources that maybe of interest.  Although we do our best to ensure that this information is accurate and up to date, you should not rely solely on the information provided here.

You should always seek specific professional medical advice, treatment and care appropriate to you, and as such we strongly recommend you consult with your general practitioner.