Do's and Don'ts of taking medicines

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Medicines/Drugs - Do’s and Don’ts of taking medicines

These are all fairly common sense ones really but sometimes it helps just to go over them

Do:-

Ask your GP/Nurse what the new medicine is for and any special instructions.
Read the information leaflet that is provided with your medication, if there isn't one provided, ask the pharmacist for one
Take the whole course of medication that you have been given
Make sure you take all your medicines with you if you go into hospital or on holiday in their original packets
Tell you doctor if you think you might be pregnant
Make sure your GP remembers your specific allergies if you have any when they are writing out your new prescription
Take the medicine at the same time every day
Use special pill boxes to help you remember to take your medication – set up alarms on you mobile if you are forgetful or a clock at home, or use a calendar.
Ask for larger print on labels if you have difficulty with reading.
Ask your pharmacist if you have problems swallowing tablets if it comes in a liquid form or if you can half or crush the tablets.
Ask your pharmacist advice about over the counter drugs and if they will interact badly with your current medication.

Do not:-

Take anyone else’s medicine
Give your medicine to anyone else
Flush unused medicines down the toilet or throw in the bin –instead return to your pharmacist.
Take over-the-counter medications, vitamins or herbal remedies without talking to your GP, or pharmacist
Stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor
Use out of date medication – return to pharmacist
Store your medicines in a bathroom – they should be kept away from heat light and moisture.
Take any medicine which is discoloured or has an unusual smell - return them to the pharmacy
Keep your medicines where children can have access to them/