Guidelines on Taking Medicines

Introduction

A medicine is a product that is suitable for treatment or prevention of diseases, or a product that can be used in or given to humans to modify body functions or to make a medical diagnosis. A medicinal product is composed of one or more active ingredients and other substances (excipients) which make up the rest of the product. An active ingredient is the substance in a medicinal product that is biologically active and produces the effect. Before you take a medicine, there are certain things you should keep in mind. Read the label and package leaflet to make sure you are taking the medicine correctly.

Patient

  • Ask your doctor or your pharmacist if you need more information or advice on the medicine; they can help you.
  • A medicine that is good for you may be bad for someone else, even if the symptoms are similar.
  • Do not share medicines or recommend your medicine to your friends and family.

 

Medicine

  • When purchasing a medicine you have the right to ask for information about your medicine and to participate in the choice of your treatment.
  • You can participate in the choice of their medicine by considering information on alternative medicines including pack size, price and the medicines available at the pharmacy.
  • Read the ingredients list and be aware whether there are any active ingredients or other ingredients to which you are allergic/ intolerant.
  • The package leaflet that accompanies a medicine contains information on what the medicine is for, what one needs to know before taking the medicine, how to take the medicine, some possible side effects that can be experienced, how the product should be stored and where to find further information. Do not take different medicines without first seeking advice.
  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicine. Some medicines can react with others to produce unpleasant side effects, and some medicines can block the actions of others if taken together, and actually stop them from working.
  • When refilling prescription, make sure that the medicine is the same as before. If it does not, ask why it is different.
  • Make a list of all the current medicines you are taking as well as other products such as vitamin preparations, food supplements and herbal products.  It is a good idea to write them down for future reference and discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist. 
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain to you why you need to take a medicine.

 

Dose

  • Make sure you know how many doses should be taken each day and for how long you should take your medicine.  Do not take more than the prescribed dose or take the medicine more often than recommended.
  • Use the measuring cup or spoon provided with the medicine rather than a household spoon. Ask your pharmacist if this is missing.

 

Route

  • Make sure you know the correct route of administration of your medicines as for example some tablets may be chewed or are meant to be dissolved in water.

 

Time

  • Make sure you know if the medicine should be taken at a specific time of day.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do if you miss a dose.  If you forget to take your medicine, do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
  • Do not stop a prescribed course of medicine if you are feeling better or if you feel that they are not having any effect; ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any difficulties.