Medications are super helpful, but can also be dangerous when taken wrongly. When not taken properly, they can have serious side effects and in extreme cases, lead to death.

Below are simple dos and don’ts to help minimize the negative consequences

 

Dos

 

• Follow the exact dose and schedule prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any possible side effects to watch for, and report any that you experience.

• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, supplements, or natural remedies if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Some medications or supplements may not be safe during these times.

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take your medicine properly (i.e with or without food? With or without milk? With extra water?)

• Tell your doctor about past problems or contradictions you've had with drugs

• Keep a daily record of the drugs you are taking.

• Check the expiration date and throw out any expired medications.

 

Don'ts

 

• Do not share your medication with someone else, or prescribe it to someone else.

• Keep medication away from direct sunlight

• Do not remove medication from its original container.  This will ensure that you do not lose the expiry date which is always printed on the container.

• Do not use medication when it is past its expiry date.

• Do not store different kinds of pills in one container.

• Do not take drugs with alcohol.

• Never mix medicines, except by your doctor's orders.

• Do not self-medicate.