Medicines: understanding your medicines
When your doctor gives you a prescription, the right medication for the right patient in the right dose by the right route at the right time has been carefully decided. You have been part of the decision-making process by answering questions so your doctor has a complete medical history.
As part of this process, you have told your doctor about any previous allergic reactions to medications that you have suffered. You have told your doctor about any types of medicines that you may be currently taking (remembering that vitamins, minerals, herbal and food supplements and over-the-counter medications all need to be considered).
You need to tell your doctor about any chronic health problems you may have, and whether you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Once you leave your doctor there are still a number of responsibilities you must assume.
Understanding your responsibilities
You must know how to administer the medication you will be taking properly. You need to understand the medication completely and comply with the dosage schedule. You should be aware of any possible side effects identified for that medication, so you know what to expect. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects.
Importantly, you need to be aware of the signs or symptoms that may indicate the need to contact your doctor about the medication. Unfortunately, often people will leave their doctor's office without understanding the treatment they are about to start and this often means that they are unable to comply with their doctor's advice.
Things you should not do
Do not stop taking the medication before it has had a chance to work properly — even if you don't think it is working, or you start feeling better, or you have unpleasant side effects. Do not take the medicine in incorrect dosages or at the wrong time, and don't take the medication too often.
Do not continue to drink alcohol or combine the new medication with old medications, or combine the medication with over-the-counter treatments such as cold and 'flu tablets, aspirin or vitamins, all of which can have an effect on the action of the newly prescribed medication.
The end result is that you may not get better, and may even make your condition worse. Always ask your doctor about your medication and have all these factors clear in your mind before you leave the doctor's office.
Precautions to take prior to taking any medicines
There are several precautions to bear in mind before you take any medication.
- Become familiar with the exact effects of your medication. Discuss potential effects and side effects with your doctor so you know what to expect.
- Always follow the instructions that come with your medication carefully. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Discuss with your doctor any alternatives to the medication if you are not sure about the one being prescribed. Remember that all drugs affect the body and one may suit you better than another.
- Be sure to keep your doctor informed of all types of treatments that you are taking, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, minerals, and herbal and food supplements, as they may interact with the prescribed drug.
- Always discuss over-the-counter products with your pharmacist to make sure that the product you purchase will not interact with your prescribed medications.
- Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist what precautions (if any) should be taken when using the medication. For example, alcohol often has an adverse reaction with other drugs, and other medications may make you drowsy.
- Don't share your medications with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms. Similarly, don't use anyone else's medication. Different drugs have different effects on different people and you may experience a bad reaction to someone else's medication.
- Do not keep old medications around the house, especially if they have passed their use-by date. Out-of-date medications can have dangerous effects.
- Keep all medications out of the reach of children and know what to do if any medication is taken accidentally.
- Don't assume that it is safe to drive when taking medications (even some over-the-counter preparations such as cold and 'flu tablets can be a problem). If the medication causes you to feel drowsy, dizzy, shaky, nauseous, anxious, or if the medication causes problems with vision, you should not drive a car.
If in doubt about any medication ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Last Reviewed: 15 February 2001
