Taking Your Medicines Right: 8 Simple Habits for Safer Treatment

Whether you take one tablet a day or several, how you take your medicines affects how well they work. These eight simple habits can help you get the most from your treatment and avoid common mistakes.

1. Take it exactly as prescribed

Follow the dose, timing and duration your doctor or pharmacist gives you. Read the label and the patient information leaflet, and ask if anything is unclear — for example, whether a tablet should be taken before, with or after food.

2. Build a daily routine

Taking medicines at the same time every day makes it easier to remember. Link them to something you already do, such as breakfast or brushing your teeth. A weekly pill organiser or a phone alarm can also help.

3. Don't stop just because you feel better

Medicines for long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol often work without you "feeling" anything. Feeling well is usually a sign that the treatment is working. Stopping suddenly can cause your condition to worsen, so always speak to your doctor first.

4. Keep an up-to-date medicine list

Write down every medicine you take, including the strength and timing, along with any vitamins, supplements or herbal products. Carry it with you and show it at every doctor's visit and hospital admission.

5. Ask about interactions

Some medicines, supplements and foods can affect each other. Before starting anything new — even an over-the-counter remedy — ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe with your current medicines. Ask, too, whether alcohol is safe with your treatment.

6. Never share your medicines

A medicine prescribed for you is chosen for your condition, dose and health history. What helps you could harm someone else, even if their symptoms seem similar.

7. Store medicines properly

• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight — the bathroom and kitchen are often too humid.
• Keep them in their original packs so the name, dose and expiry date stay visible.
• Store them out of the reach and sight of children.
• Check expiry dates regularly and do not use medicines that are out of date or look different from usual.

8. Keep your follow-up appointments

Regular check-ups and tests, such as blood sugar, blood pressure or kidney function, help your doctor see whether your treatment is working and whether any changes are needed.

When to call your doctor

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice side effects that are new, worrying or don't go away, if you think a medicine isn't working, or if you are finding it hard to take your medicines as prescribed. Seek urgent medical help for signs of a serious reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a severe rash.