Whether it’s just for the occasional headache or sore stomach, or a chronic condition like diabetes, we all have to take some kind of medication sooner or later. With that in mind, take a read through these need-to-know medication safety tips before you start popping pills.
1. Never take medication that’s intended for someone else
If you don’t keep pain medication at home, then it can be tempting to accept a prescription painkiller from a colleague or friend. Don’t! Taking someone else’s medicine can be dangerous, even deadly. Prescribed medication is specifically for the person it’s been prescribed for. It’s simpler with over-the-counter medication, but always take the time to read the dosage before you take a pill.
2. Don’t combine different tablets in the same bottle
Don’t put different medications together in one bottle. You might think that you’ll remember which tablet is which, but you could get them mixed up at some stage, and that could lead to a dangerous medication mistake!
3. Don’t keep expired medicine
Throw away all medication that’s expired, as it can lose its effectiveness, and keeping it in your home can make it all too easy for mix-ups to occur. Don’t just throw it into the bin though, check with your local pharmacy for the best way to dispose of it.
4. Don’t stop taking prescribed medicine when you feel better
Most medication takes time to work completely. So, even though you might be feeling better, it’s important to continue taking prescribed medication as per your doctor’s instructions. This is especially true for antibiotics – always finish the full course.
5. Keep medication away from children
Even if bottles have child-resistant caps, keep all medication out of the reach of children. Either store medicines high up and out of reach, or in a locked cabinet – or both.
6. Don’t take medication that isn’t clearly marked
Taking medication from unmarked bottles, or labels that are hard to read, can cause you to pop the wrong pill in error. Rather err on the side of caution, and don’t take it if you don’t know exactly what it is.
If you have any questions about medication, just ask your pharmacist, even if you haven’t bought the medication there. They will be able to help you with answers about dosage, side-effects and what your medicine is used for.
Source: About.com