ScriptPal NZ

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Understand your medication

Understand your medication in New Zealand

Knowing what each of your medicines is for, what it does in your body and what to watch for is one of the most useful things you can do for your health. Here is how to make sense of your medication in New Zealand — and how ScriptPal makes it easier.

Updated 7 October 2026 · ScriptPal NZ

Start with the names: brand vs generic

Every medicine has two names. The generic name is the drug itself — for example, metoprolol. The brand name is what the company that made your particular box calls it (for example, Betaloc or a pharmacy house brand). The same medicine can come in several different-looking boxes.

This is why “I take the little white one” is so easy to get wrong. Learning the generic name is the single most helpful thing you can do to explain your medicines clearly, at any pharmacy, clinic or hospital.

How to read a NZ pharmacy label

The label your pharmacy prints carries the essentials: the medicine and strength, how much to take, how often, how many repeats are left and any warnings.

  • Medicine name and strength (e.g. “Metoprolol 47.5 mg”).
  • The dose and how often (e.g. “1 tablet daily”).
  • Quantity dispensed and the number of repeats left.
  • Special instructions — with food, in the morning, avoid alcohol.

Get plain-English explanations, not drug-sheet jargon

Official medicine information is written for clinicians and can be hard going. ScriptPal pairs each medicine with a plain-English education panel covering its drug class, why it is prescribed, what it does in your body, common dose ranges, side effects and when to seek help.

Those nine sections are drawn from New Zealand sources and shown right next to your own medication list — so understanding your medicines is part of organising them, not a separate chore.

Questions worth asking your pharmacist

Your pharmacist is the most accessible medicine expert you have, and a short conversation can clear up a lot. Bring your list and ask:

  • What is this medicine's generic name?
  • What is it protecting, and how will I know it is working?
  • What side effects should make me get help?
  • Is it safe to take with my other medicines and any supplements?

Try it in ScriptPal — free

ScriptPal is a free, NZ-made medication app. Organise your pills, understand what they do, match your blister pack and print a clear summary for your GP.

Get started freeTry demo mode

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out what my medication is for in NZ?

Start with the generic name on your pharmacy label, then read a plain-English explanation. ScriptPal shows the drug class, why it is prescribed and what it does in your body for each medicine on your list.

What is the difference between a brand name and a generic name?

The generic name is the medicine itself (e.g. paracetamol); the brand name is what a particular manufacturer calls it. Different brands can look completely different while containing the same medicine.

Can ScriptPal tell me if my medicines interact?

ScriptPal helps you understand and organise your medicines, but it does not replace advice from your pharmacist or prescriber. Always check interactions with a health professional.

Related guides

This guide is for general education and does not replace personalised advice from your pharmacist, GP or prescriber.