Medicines are generally very safe if used properly. This means taking them at the right dose, the right way and the right time. Otherwise the medicine might not work as well as it should or might even cause unpleasant side-effects.
- Do not take more than the prescribed dose or take the medicine more often than recommended. TWICE AS MUCH DOESN'T MEAN TWICE AS GOOD.
- If you forget to take your medicine, don't double the next dose. Doubling up on medicine is dangerous because it may lead to overdosage.
- Don't use other people's medicine. A medicine that is good for you may be bad for someone else, even if the symptoms are similar. So don't share medicine with family or friends. They should see their own doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Don't mix medicine without seeking advice first. If you take two medicine containing the same ingredient, you could be taking an overdose. Some medicine can react with others to produce unpleasant side effects while some can block the actions of others - and actually stop them from working. Before taking your medicine home, make sure you tell your pharmacist if you are taking any other medicine. If you go to the same pharmacy regularly, you could ask the pharmacist to keep a record of your medicine to help detect any potential problems.
2. Self Medication
Before you treat yourself, think of these facts:
- Many illness run short, natural courses. Uncomplicated cold usually are cure by themselves. Most sore throats get better in a few days, with or without treatment. They are usually caused by viruses which are not cured by antibiotics.
- Symptoms do not always need treatment. Coughing gets rid of excessive secretion. If a cough is deep and distressing, or disturbs sleep, a cough mixture is good; but a daytime cough should mostly be allowed to do its work.
- Some medicine are harmful. Some medicine can be harmful especially if taken for a long time, e.g. nose drops should be instilled for occasional relief only.
- Some medicine can create dependence or addiction. Many people become dependent on sleeping tablets and anti-anxiety drugs.
3. What You Need To Know About Your Medicine
There are a number of things that you should know about each medicine you are taking. These include:
- What is the name of the medicine?
- Why am I taking it?
- What will it do for me?
- When should I take it? What is the best time and how often?
- How to take it and how much?
- Do I have any alternatives to this medicine?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Are there any side effects? What to do if they appear?
- How long to wait before reporting no change in symptoms?
- How long should I continue taking it?
- Will this medicine affect any other medicines I am taking?
- Any food or beverages I should avoid?
- How should I store my medicine?
