Be Medicine-wise is an annual national awareness week promoting safer and better use of medicines for all Australians.

Medicals at Occuhealth

When you come in for a Pre-Employment Medical at Occuhealth, our professional staff will ask you about your prescribed medicine intake. This information helps us ensure you’re managing any medical conditions that you may have and can talk you through any complications this may cause in your work environment and how you may overcome it.

A good majority of the Australian population take some form of prescribed medication; it’s about managing the medications to ensure the best outcome for you. Declaring your medicine does not mean you won’t get the job, it’s about making the workplace safe and incident free for all employees.

What is misuse?

If you’re not taking your medicines as directed then you may be misusing them. Misusing medicines can harm you or someone you care about. It can lead to health problems, addiction or dependency, poor judgement and accidents, as well as legal trouble.

Simple actions can prevent medicines misuse. Follow advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist and read the labels and packaging of your medicines carefully.

Misuse can include:

• Taking medicines at the wrong times, or the wrong dose
• Sharing your medicines with family of friends
• Taking multiple medicines which could lead to incorrect dosing or side effects
• Taking medicines with other substances like illegal drugs or alcohol.

Take control of your medicines

Take charge of your health by being medicine-wise and having the conversation about your medicines.

• Ask the right questions
• Ask the right people
• Following the right advise