About us
The VPIC provides advice to the Victorian Public and to health care providers about what to do if a person has been poisoned, has overdosed, has made a mistake with medicines or has been bitten/stung by a snake, spider, bee, wasp or other creature.
We also provide statewide toxicology guidelines for health professionals.
If someone has collapsed, stopped breathing, or is having a seizure or anaphylactic reaction, call 000 for an ambulance. Do NOT ring the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC).
Call us if someone:
- Has been poisoned
- Has overdosed
- Has made a mistake with medicines
- Has been bitten or stung by something venomous (for example a snake, spider, bee or wasp)
Phone: 131 126
Callers who do not speak English can call us via the translating and interpreting service on 131 450.
Our services
We provide the following services:
- For members of the public: 24/7 telephone assessment and advice on first aid for poisoning, with or without referral to a doctor or hospital
- For health care providers: 24/7 specialist high-level advice on the management of acutely poisoned patients, and information about the effects and management of chronic exposures, or specific formulations or products
- State-wide toxicology clinical management guidelines
- Education and training to nurses, pharmacists, doctors and rural and remote practitioners involved in caring for poisoned patients
- Advice to government, industry and regulatory agencies to assist in implementation of interventions to reduce harm within the community
- Advice on how to prevent poisoning and the hazards associated with medicines, chemicals, plants, pesticides and other products
- Free resources for Victorians (such as pamphlets, stickers and fridge magnets on preventing poisoning and how to contact VPIC) - order these using the form below
If an animal has been exposed to a poison, please do not call us. Contact your local veterinarian for advice.
Contact us
Victorian Poisons Information Centre
Phone: 131 126 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
Fax: 03 9496 4912