Medication Safety Tips to Know

Medication safety is incredibly important and at times, we may forget how careful we should be. Here are helpful tips to always keep in mind.

With the availability of over-the-counter medications, the urge to self-medicate has increased over the years. The right medication, in the right quantity for specified intervals, can work wonders to improve your health when prescribed by the doctor. However, if you have a habit of taking over-the-counter medication as you see fit, it can be harmful to you.

Medications do have certain side effects, and it is important to be fully aware of them. Medications are there to improve your health, not work the other way around.

In this article, we will discuss all the relevant medication safety tips. Without further ado, let’s get going:

Importance of Knowing Your Medication

• Always be aware of the name of your medicine. We are talking about the formula name, not the brand name here.
• Learn about the right dose of medication from your doctor and never alter it yourself.
• It is important to learn about what does a particular medicine treats and what is it for.
• Learn how to read labels and the right way to take a particular medicine. For instance, there are certain medications that can only be taken on an empty stomach while others must be taken after a meal.
• Learn about the side effects of medications.
• If you are taking any non-prescription medicines, make sure to inform your doctor about them. Sometimes certain medications don’t mix well.
• Certain drugs do not bode well with alcohol, pain killers, and supplements. It is important to discuss this aspect with a doctor before starting a new pill.
• Be aware of what measures you need to take in case you forget to take a dose. These things often happen due to our busy lifestyles, and it is crucial to be aware of the proper protocol.
• If you have allergies, make sure that the new drug won’t cause or trigger any allergies.

Take Your Medicine in the Right Way

• The correct dose is of utmost importance. If you consume a liquid or powder medicine, always use a measuring tool to ensure the correct dosage.
• Do not split capsules or tablets unless it is instructed by your doctor.
• The timing of medication matters a lot. Stick to the time doctor has suggested. It is good to place a reminder on your phone.
• If there are certain medications that you have to take for longer durations, renew them time to avoid running out.

Importance of Medication Safety

• Keep your medication away from heat and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
• If you have pets and kids at home, you have to be extra careful. Keep the medications in a place that is out of reach of your children and pets.
• Avoid storing medications in the same cabinet as household cleaning supplies.
• Do not take the medications out of their original bottles. Most people use pill cases, but it is not recommended.
• Store your medication in a dry space.

Medication Safety While Being in the Hospital

• It is crucial to identify yourself to the nursing staff clearly before taking the medication from them.
• It is essential to let your health care providers know about the medications you are consuming.
• Let the staff know about any possible allergies you have or if certain medication triggers a side effect.
• Ask the staff to inform you about the medications you need to take once you leave the hospital.
• If certain drugs are causing any side effects, it is important to inform the hospital staff and doctors about these effects, taking certain measures accordingly.

General Tips

• Let your pharmacist and doctor know if you do not prefer a particular medicine (whatever the reason may be; side effects, price point, or availability problems).
• Always know the generic brand name of a particular medicine.
• Purchase the same medication you are prescribed from the pharmacy and never go for an alternative without discussing it with your health care provider.
• Listen to your body and be aware of all the medicine allergies.
• Report the side effects (if any) to your healthcare provider immediately.
• Have a thorough discussion with your doctor/pharmacist about lowering the dose to prevent kidney, liver, or age-related issues.

Kids and Medication Safety

• Make a point to your children that medication will always be given by you or any other adult at home. They shouldn’t be allowed to take medicine by themselves, and it is not safe and not recommended.
• Some caregivers and parents make the mistake of referring to medication as candy or a treat. You shouldn’t do it as children can feel fascinated and try it on their own.
• Keep the medications out of your children’s reach, preferably in a lock, so they cannot access them under any circumstances.
• Follow the dosage instruction thoroughly and never alter the dose.
• Teach your children about the importance of taking medication responsibly. Educate them and help them understand how it will benefit their health.
• Take help from some animated educational videos that teach children about the right way to take medicine and its importance.

What to Do in Case of an Emergency?

Despite taking all the precautions, accidents can happen. Certain medications can have severe side effects. You must have the emergency contact number of the nearest medical facility with you at all times. Call them immediately and get the help you need. Such situations call for expert help. Do not try to manage on your own.

Final Thoughts

Medicines are one of the best inventions that have come out of science. We now have a cure for many diseases, live longer and healthier lives. With that being said, there is a downfall of it all.

When taken correctly, it is a huge blessing. When taken irresponsibly, it can lead to a ton of harmful consequences.

Always listen to your pharmacist and doctor when it comes to dosage, medicine type, and precautions. We hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions, concerns, or queries, let us know, and we will get back to you shortly.