How to Take Your Medicine Safely

Most of us would rather not rely on pills and tablets on a daily basis. For a start, it can be stressful trying to remember when and how often to take them. Some medicines also have unpleasant side effects, serving as a constant reminder of our health issues. 

The consequences of non-adherence to prescribed medication can be serious. So, how can you make it a little easier to follow your doctor's orders? Read on to find out.

Safety First! 

It’s important that your doctor or pharmacist knows about all the medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter medicines. Vitamins, herbal remedies, and painkillers can interact with prescribed medications.

Taking multiple medications can create nasty and sometimes serious side effects. For example, aspirin is dangerous when taken with blood-thinning medicine. 

Before you start a new medicine, let your doctor know about any allergies or past issues with the medicines you take. This could include breathing problems, rashes, indigestion, or mood changes. 

Tips on Using Medicines Safely

Here are some things to add to your to-do list: 

1. Keep an up-to-date list of all the drugs and medicines you’re taking to help you remember. 

2. Write down when you started taking the medicines and any special instructions.  

3. Keep a note about why you need a particular medication.  

Some medicines can cause side effects that can vary in severity and from person to person. Some might cause a mild headache, while others could affect a person’s ability to drive. 

Caring for yourself means having a strategy. Write down any side effects you might experience so that you can accurately report them to your doctor. There may be alternative medicines available, such as generic drugs, that work the same way.  

Enlist the Help of Your Pharmacist 

Pharmacists are a useful source of information, especially for quick queries that might save you a trip to the doctor. 

You should always try taking your prescriptions at only one pharmacy. This keeps all your records in one place. It also helps alert your pharmacist if a new drug might cause problems with another medication you might already be taking.  

Making the Most of Your Pharmacist’s Expertise

Here are some other ways your pharmacist might be able to help: 

• Offering liquid alternatives to pills if you have trouble swallowing 

• Understanding the instructions on the medicine label, if it’s hard to read 

• Dispensing pills into “easy-to-open” containers 

• Advice on where to store your medicines 

• Providing flu prevention tips to stay protected, especially during the colder months.

How to Keep Track of Your Medication 

It all starts with that list. Make sure to keep your list up-to-date with a written record of your prescription medicine or OTC medicine. Keep the medicines list in a safe place, and keep a copy with you for easy access.

You should include the names and contact details of all your healthcare providers, including all doctors, pharmacists, homecare providers, dentists, and therapists. 

Our personal care team can assist with reminders and tips for staying on track with your medications. While they cannot dispense medication, they can help ensure you stay consistent. 

Ensure Proper Storage and Disposal

Always check the expiry dates on medicine bottles and pill packages. If a particular medication is past its expiry date, ask your pharmacist if they can dispose of it for you.   

Remember to keep all medicines out of children’s reach, especially when the packaging is easy to open. You should also try to avoid taking medicines in front of them, as they often imitate adult behaviour.

How to Take Medication Safely - 8 Tips

There are plenty of precautions you can take that will help you avoid problems with your medication. Here are some practical steps you can take: 

1. Always Follow the Instructions 

Before taking any kind of medication, you should read the label. Stick to medicines that manufacturers have developed for your specific problem. For instance, do not use an over-the-counter syrup for colds if you have a cough instead.  

2. Take the Recommended Dose

It’s not just the ingredients of a medication that counts. It’s also the quantity that matters. You must take the correct dosage, as taking more won't improve results and, in some cases, could be very dangerous. Never miss or reduce the number of doses that need to be taken. Stick to the prescription or the label's instructions.  

3. Always Take Your Meds on Time 

Plenty of medication requires patients to take them at a specific time for optimum effect, sometimes with or without food. To stay on schedule, you could: 

• Use waking up, brushing your teeth, mealtimes, or bedtime as a reminder. 

• Keep a chart or calendar, or use a pillbox.  

• Set timers on your phone or computer.  

• Write reminders on objects you use regularly, like the fridge. 

4. Turn On the Lights 

Never take medicine in the dark. This prevents taking the wrong medicine or incorrect doses.

5. Contact Your Doctor if Problems Arise

If you experience any issues with any prescription drugs you are taking, talk to your doctor. Drugs can affect people differently, so you might develop side effects that most others wouldn’t have. 

6. Discuss Your Lifestyle with Your Doctor

Alcohol, tobacco, as well as other kinds of drugs, can interfere with any prescribed drugs you are taking. Caring for yourself means always being honest with your doctor about your own lifestyle choices. This is especially important if you think you might be drinking above the recommended limit.  

7. Complete the Course 

You may feel better, but that does not necessarily mean you should stop taking your medication. This is particularly true of antibiotics. It’s important to follow the instructions, and if you want to stop a course of medication early, ask your doctor first to ensure that it’s safe to do so.  

8. Never Share Your Medication 

You should never take medicines or pills prescribed to another person. You should also never give any of your medication to somebody else.  

Stay On Track with Medication

Our team of homecare professionals has extensive experience helping people find reliable ways to take their meds. 

They share tried and trusted tips that they pick up from all those they care for. Find out more here about all the services Comfort Keepers can offer you or your loved ones.