Patient Education Series :- Safe Use of Prescription Medications

Patient Education Series

Safe Use of Prescription Medications

If you have already been taking some medications

· Please provide a written list and dose of medications that you have been taking during your consultation with the doctor.

· Knowing what medications you take helps your doctor select the best treatment for you.

· Also, please inform about your medication allergies or unpleasant reactions you may have experienced in the past.

Learn about the medication that you have been prescribed

· Find out which medicines are being advised and what they are for.

· Find out how to take the medication; especially the dosage, timings or foods to be avoided.

· Also, learn about the common side effects you might expect and what you should do about them.

Medication use

· Read the label every time you take a medicine to avoid mistakes.

· Check the expiry dates of medications and do not take expired medications.

· While taking a pill from a strip, tear off in such a manner so that the date of expiry is visible till the last pill on the strip.

· Do not chew, crush or break any capsules or tablets unless instructed. Some long-acting medications are absorbed too quickly when chewed, which could be unsafe.

· Be regular with the medication advised and do not miss doses.

· If you have missed a dose take as soon as possible.

1. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

2. Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

· Do not stop the course on your own without consulting your doctor.

· Report any allergies or untoward symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Storage

· Keep medications in their original packs, to avoid difficulty in identification.

· Don't store medications in the bathroom, kitchen, or in direct sunlight. Humidity, heat and light can affect the medications' efficacy.

· Some medications have specified storage requirements, please check these and store accordingly.

· Store medications where children can't see or reach them, for example, in a locked box or cabinet.

· Never share medications with anyone.

Dr Marwah