Medicines are used to control long-term conditions or to treat an illness. They can also prevent us from getting ill.
Knowing what to discuss with your doctor when they prescribe medicines for you will help you understand more about your medicines. It can help you feel more involved in the decision about which medicine is best for you and your condition. This will help you to get the best out of your medicines. To get the best results from your medicines, it is important that you use them properly, as prescribed. You need to:
[b]• Take your medicine at the right times and in the right way.
• Look out for side effects that are bothering you.
• See whether your medicines are making you feel better or worse. If you feel worse or feel that they are having no effect, talk your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
• For medicines that you have to take regularly, make sure you always have enough, especially at weekends, public holidays and when you are on holiday.
• Always use medicines according to the instructions on the label on the packet, or as your health professional advised you. Read the patient information leaflet that is provided with the medicine, as it may answer some of the questions you have.
• If your medicines are not used in the right way, they could do you harm. Don’t use them beyond their expiry dates, and don't use other people's prescription medicines.
• If you are ever unsure about how to use a medicine or you would like to ask a question about a medicine that has been prescribed for you, or one that you have bought over the counter, you can talk to your pharmacist.
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