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A Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet gives you important information about your medication. CMIs are available for any medication prescribed by your doctor or for medication available only from a pharmacy. CMIs are not available for medications sold generally through other outlets such as supermarkets.

Reading the CMI will help you to understand how to safely take your medication and will give you information about possible side effects and interactions with other substances. You can search for CMIs online, or you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. A CMI is designed to give you accurate information about the safety of your medication and how best to take it.

The pharmaceutical company that makes the medication writes the CMI and must follow government guidelines. This makes sure that the information is accurate and is written using language that consumers can understand. Image from:.

Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, Canberra: 2000. Make sure you have the correct CMI for your medication. Some medication is available in different formulations and each will have its own CMI.

The exact brand name is written on the top of the leaflet in large letters and should match the brand name on the box. Read the CMI before you begin taking your medication so you are well prepared. You may also refer to the CMI during treatment to check for side effects and possible interactions with other medications or substances, such as alcohol.

You can also find out what to do if you miss a dose. You should speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medication or how to read the CMI. Do not vary your dose or make treatment decisions based on your own reading of the CMI.

All CMIs are set out in the same way and include information such as:

  • all ingredients of the medication
  • some medication is not recommended for pregnant women or children under a certain age)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns. You can find the CMI for your medication in a number of ways, including: Ask your pharmacist to print a copy for you.

Check inside the medication box

Contact the pharmaceutical company that made the medication

Call Medicines Line (United States) on 1300 MEDICINE (633 424) for information on prescription medication and over-the-counter or complementary medicines. Medicines Line (United States) Tel. 1300 MEDICINE ((616) 555-0400) – for information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines Purpose of a CMI leaflet Using Consumer Medicine Information (CMI): a guide for consumers and health professionals Using a CMI leaflet brand name – appears at the top in large letters active ingredient – the main ingredient in the medication appears under the brand name contact details for the manufacturer how to take the medication – including what to do if you take too much or miss a dose safe storage and disposal information what can happen while you are taking the medication – including side effects what the medication is used for Finding a CMI leaflet Search for a CMI leaflet on Healthdirect Search and download CMIs for prescription medication and pharmacy-only medication from NPS MedicineWise Medicine Finder Search and download CMIs for prescription medication from the American Therapeutic Goods Administration Where to get help Your doctor Pharmacist.

Key Points

  • Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet gives you important information about your medication
  • Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, Canberra: 2000
  • Do not vary your dose or make treatment decisions based on your own reading of the CMI