How to take medicines safely

Medicines can make the quality of our lives better in many ways. They can help cure or treat an illness or disease and can also prevent some conditions from developing in the first place. In this way, medicines can help us live longer and healthier lives.

Nearly all of us will need to take medicines at some point in our lives. These may be prescription or non-prescription medicines. 

• Over-the-counter medicines are medicines you can get without a prescription (sometimes called OTC medicines). They are usually for mild conditions that you can treat yourself such as pain or a cold. You take them for a short time only. You can buy some over-the-counter medicines in shops and supermarkets but for others you will have to go to a pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about using an over-the-counter medicine.
• Prescription medicines are only available with a prescription from a doctor, dentist or certain nurses (known as prescription-only medicines). They are sold through pharmacies.

Always read the patient information leaflet

• what the medicine is for
• how to take the medicine and the recommended dose
• possible side effects
• when you should not take the medicine
• storage and expiry date

Before you start using your medicine

To get the most from your medicine, it is important that you use it safely. Here are some things to consider before you start taking a medicine.

Share important information with your healthcare professional

• Use the same doctor and the same pharmacy, if possible. This will allow both to build a patient history for you.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking including herbal medicines. Some medicines can react with each other if taken together, and this could be a health risk.
• Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to certain medicines, have scheduled surgery, if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding. 

Ask questions about using your medicine safely

• Check that you have received the correct medicine before you leave the pharmacy.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist if it is alright for you to drink alcohol while you are on medication. Alcohol can interact with some medicines or reduce their effect. 
  
• If you are taking some medicines for a long time, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review them once a year.
• Don’t take non-prescription medicine with prescribed medication without checking with your pharmacist.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand any information about your medicines.

Plan in advance if you are going away

• If you are travelling, make sure you carry enough of your medicine with you so that you can take the correct dose while you are away.
  

Taking your medicines

If you don’t take your medicine properly, it may not work and may cause more harm than good.

Here are some tips to help avoid mistakes.

Check if your medicine is in date

• If you are taking a medicine you already have at home, check the expiry date. Don't take medicines that are out of date.

Follow dosage instructions

• If you forget a dose, check the leaflet or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Don’t take more than the recommended dose. For prescribed medicines, check the pharmacy label. For over-the-counter medicines, follow the instructions on the packet or leaflet.
  

Take your medicine for the right amount of time 

• Don’t stop taking your medicine unless advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Don’t take a medicine for longer than instructed.
  
• Unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you differently, take your medicine at the same time every day and always finish the recommended course.

Don't alter medicines without advice

Don’t crush pills or open capsules unless your doctor or pharmacist says it’s safe. 

Don't share medicines

• Don’t share your medicines with others.
• Don’t take medicine prescribed for someone else.
  

• Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from strong light. You may need to store some
  medicines in a fridge.
• Don’t store medicines in a bathroom or car, as heat and moisture can interfere with and
  damage medicines.
• Always keep medicines in their original containers unless your doctor advises you to store them somewhere else.
• Don’t mix different medicines in one container.
• Don’t destroy or throw out unused or out‑of‑date medicines yourself. Return them to your pharmacist who can destroy them safely.
• Always keep medicines safely out of sight and reach of children.

Report side effects

• Don’t ignore an unexpected side effect that you think may be related to the medicine you have taken. Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. 

• Anyone can report a side effect to us. When you report, you help us to learn more about a medicine and make medicines safer for everyone.