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:

  1. medicines that are only available with a prescription from a doctor, dentist or certain nurses (known as prescription-only medicines)

  2. medicines that you can buy over-the-counter without a prescription (sometimes called OTC medicines)

This page tells you how to use medicines safely and effectively.

Always read the patient information leaflet

Always read the patient information on the leaflet or packaging. It will give you important information about your medicine, including:

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have scheduled surgery, if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding.
  • Check that you have received the correct medicine before you leave the pharmacy.
  • Always read the package leaflet that comes with the medicine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand any information about your medicines.
  • Unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you differently, take your medicine at the same time every day and always finish the recommended course.
  • 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.
  • If you are taking some medicines for a long time, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review them once a year.

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.

  • Don’t take more than the recommended dose.

  • For medicines that have been prescribed for you, the dose will be on the pharmacy label.

  • For medicines you have bought without a prescription, the dose is written on the packet or label and in the package leaflet that comes with the medicine.

  • Don’t take a medicine that is out of date.

  • If you forget to take your medicine, check the package leaflet that came with the medicine for advice or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Don’t stop taking your medicines unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to stop.

  • Don’t take a medicine for longer than your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.

  • Don’t share your medicines with other people.

  • Don’t take a medicine that was prescribed for somebody else.

  • Don’t save a prescription to use in the future unless your doctor advises you to.

  • If you take prescribed medication, never take a non-prescription medicine without first checking with your pharmacist.

  • Don’t crush pills or open capsules to make them easier to swallow unless your doctor or pharmacist says it is alright to do so.

  • Alcohol can interact with some medicines or reduce their effect. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if it is alright for you to drink alcohol while you are on medication.

  • 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.

Storing your medicines

Every medicine is different so always read the storage instructions on the leaflet or packaging.

  • 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.