Taking medicines correctly
Possible side effects and interactions
Keeping track of your medicines
Storing medicines
Disposing of expired medicines
If in doubt, ask!

Taking Medicines Correctly

Medicines can help you feel better. But if medicines are taken incorrectly, they can actually make you feel worse.  To ensure you take your medicines correctly it is important to:

• Always check the instructions on the packet and make sure you take the medicine strictly as your doctor prescribed. 
• Never take medicines prescribed for someone else, even if you think you have the same medical problem.
• Some medicines – such as antibiotics - must be taken for a specific number of days.  Make sure you take the medicine for the stated time, or the problem may come back again.
• Always check with your doctor before you stop taking a medicine or consider a new treatment.
• Some medicines are not suitable for children, and there are special children’s dosages for many medicines. Only give a child medicine when you are fully awake and alert.
• Do not take medicine in the dark.
• If your prescription medicines are crucial for your health and wellbeing, consider carrying a list of dosage instructions with you, just in case of an emergency.
• Always keep healthcare products out of reach of children
• Do not use the medicine if there are signs of tampering.  If you suspect the product has been tampered with, make sure you alert your pharmacist and the manufacturer of the medicine.
• If you have trouble remembering to take your medicines, talk to your pharmacist for ideas to help you.

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Possible Side Effects & Drug Interactions

Side effects are reactions your body may have to a medicine. All medicines can potentially cause side effects.  While some reactions are dangerous, some are mild and do not last long.  Some people react differently to different medicines.

Important information about the medicine and what is known about its side effects can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).  Make sure you ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects when starting a medicine you have not taken before, and ask for a copy of the CMI. 

A medicine may give you such bad side effects that you have to stop taking it. Speak to your doctor before you stop taking a prescribed medicine.

Sometimes the combination of medicines (both prescription and over-the-counter) can be harmful. Make sure your doctor knows about every medicine you take, including vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements. Be sure to tell your doctor about any past reactions to medicines, such as rashes, indigestion, dizziness or loss of appetite. 

Sometimes, the pharmacist may put warning stickers on your medicine container, for example 'May cause dizziness when you stand up quickly'. Ask your pharmacist to explain the warning stickers.

All prescription medicines have an information leaflet called 'Consumer Medicine Information', or ‘CMI’.  This leaflet includes detailed information on the medicine in plain English, including information on possible side effects or interactions with other medicines. Your pharmacist can provide you with an up to date copy of the CMI for your medicine.

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Keeping track of your medicines

Sometimes you may get prescriptions from more than one doctor and they may not know what medicines you are already using. A Medication Card (available from your doctor or pharmacist) is a useful record of what you are taking, particularly if the names of your medicines are difficult to remember.

Storing medicines

Follow the instructions on the label, so your medicines remain effective until their use-by dates.

• Store your medicines out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. 
• Heat and dampness can badly affect some healthcare products. Do not store these products in the bathroom, near a sink, on window sills or in the car.
• Some products may need to be stored in the refrigerator.
• Always keep medicines in their original bottles. Don't remove the labelling from the containers.

Disposing of expired medicines

Most medicines only last for a limited time.

• Always check the expiry (or use-by) date on the pack or bottle.
• Do not use the product after this date. Medicines that have passed their use-by date might not be effective and could be harmful.

Regularly clear out your medicine cabinet and dispose of any medicine that is past its use-by date. Old medicines which have passed their use-by date can be taken to a pharmacist for safe disposal.

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If in doubt, ask!

If there is something you don't understand about a medicine you're taking, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.  Some questions you could ask are:

• What does the medicine do?
• When and how should I take it?
• What side effects (reactions your body may have to the medicine) could I have?
• Will the medicine interact with any other medicines, foods or drinks?
• Should I avoid any activities while I'm taking the medicine?
• What should I do if I forget to take the medicine?
• How will I know whether the medicine is working?
• Can I have a Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet?