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revised
June 03, 2011
  Using Medication Safely
Medications can contribute to better health, longer life and greater quality of life when used safely. Misuse can interfere with desired treatment and/or cause harmful reactions.
Safe Use of Medications |
Safe use of medications includes both prescription and over-the-counter drugs (those available without a prescription)
To start with, use medications only when necessary. This seems obvious. But we often resort too quickly to taking medications, even for minor problems. Healthy choices such as eating well, coping with stress in positive ways, and tobacco reduction, boost your body's natural ability to stay well, relieve minor problems and recover from illness.
To use medications safely:
- Ask questions.
- Read labels.
- Follow instructions.
Be informed. It's your right. It's your responsability. |
- Most drugs have more than one name. Your doctor may use one name and your prescription label may say another. If you have any concerns, verify with you doctor and/or pharmacist that you have the correct medication and dosage.
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- Know your diagnosis, the name of the condition that you're being treated for. Ask about other treatment options available. Discuss use of over-the-counter drugs with your doctor or pharmacist.
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- Be clear about the time of each dose: e.g. at regular intervals, or when symptoms occur. Your length of treatment: e.g. until medication is finished, or symptoms relieved.
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- Correct dose.
- With or without food.
- With extra fluids.
- Any drugs, foods, fluids - especially alcohol - to avoid.
- Preparation - e.g. shaking a liquid well to mix.
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- Most pills and capsules require a cool, dry place (i.e. not the bathroom). Some liquid medications must be kept in the fridge Make sure instructions from your pharmacy include information about storage and expiry date.
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Use a MedicAlert bracelet recording all known allergies and medical conditions.
Severe allergic reactions require emergency care.
Allergic symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Weakness, collapse.
- Swelling.
- Rash, itching.
Other serious effects that should be reported promptly include:
- Racing heart rate.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
- Depression with suicidal thoughts.
- Unusual bleeding.
If in doubt about how serious a reaction or side effect is, seek emergency medical care. |
- Feeling faint, dizzy or drowsy.
Symptoms such as these require caution and restriction to activities (driving, using certain equipment). |
- Re-check by your health care practitioner to confirm treatment has been effective.
- Tests to check drug effects or level in the blood.
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Advice |
- Only use medication prescribed for you
- Do not give medications prescribed for you to anyone else.
- Keep your own personal medication record with you at all times listing prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbals and/or alternative therapies, and any known allergies.
- If you use herbs or other complementary therapies, be well informed about their uses and effects, and inform your physician.
- If you forget to take a dose of your medication, don't double up next time. Check with your pharmacist or doctor first.
- Do not stop medications prescribed for chronic conditions (e.g.thyroid conditions, diabeted, high blood pressure, heart problems or asthma) without first discussing your plan with your physician.
- Check with your pharmacist how to dispose of unused medication properly.
- Keep all medications securely out of the reach of children.
- Use extra caution if you are on a combination
of medications.
- Never take medications in the dark.
Avoid mixing alcohol with medications.
- Alcohol can react with many medications, including cold or allergy drugs, high blood presure pill, anti-depressants, pain medications and sleeping pills.
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Revised:
June 03, 2011
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