Consumer Medicines Line to close 30 July 2026

The Consumer Medicines Line (1300 633 424) will cease on 30 July 2026, when the current funding agreement ends.

The service has provided medicines information and supported consumers to report suspected adverse events. It is not an emergency line.

This change supports a broader shift to strengthen primary care, with a focus on continuity of care and shared decision-making between consumers and their regular healthcare professionals.

What this means for your patients

• Patients should contact their usual healthcare provider first for advice on medicines, including side effects.

• This includes their:

  • GP

  • Nurse practitioner

  • Midwife

  • Community pharmacist

If their usual provider is unavailable, patients can contact:

• 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422)

  • Available 24/7

  • Staffed by registered nurses who provide advice and help navigate services

Reporting adverse events

Consumers and health professionals can report suspected adverse events directly to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA):

• Overview of adverse event reporting for medicines | TGA

• Report an adverse event or safety problem | TGA

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care also provides an online learning module for health professionals on reporting adverse events associated with medicines and vaccines:

• QUM Learning: Safety through adverse event reporting – share the responsibility

Action for practices and organisations

Please review and update:

• Websites

• Patient materials

• Referral pathways

• Internal guidance

to remove references to the Consumer Medicines Line.

More information

• Consumer Medicines Line closure | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

• Enquiries: QUM@health.gov.au

Thank you for supporting a smooth transition and clear referral pathways for patients.