Medication Safety
How to take medicines safely, store them well, and avoid harmful mistakes.
Medicine helps only when it is the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time.
Before you leave the pharmacy, check you know - The name of the medicine and what it is for - How much to take and how often - How many days to take it - Whether to take it with food - What side effects to watch for
Safe habits - Finish the full course of antibiotics as prescribed. - Do not share your medicine with anyone, and do not take medicine prescribed for someone else. - Do not use medicine after its expiry date, or tablets that look damaged. - Store medicine in a cool dry place, out of reach of children. - Tell every professional who treats you about all medicines, herbs and supplements you take.
Never change or stop prescribed medicine without consulting an appropriate healthcare professional, even if you feel better.
Get medical help straight away for chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, seizures, confusion, a stiff neck with fever, a high fever in a baby, or if you feel your life is in danger.
General health information — not a diagnosis or substitute for professional medical care.