Medicines are an important part of healthcare, but using them safely requires more than simply taking a tablet when you feel unwell.
Medication-related harm can occur when medicines are used incorrectly, when information is misunderstood, or when different medicines and health products interact. Knowing what to check and when to ask for professional advice can help reduce avoidable risks.
Common assumptions worth reconsidering.
1. “I’ve used this medicine before, so I know the dose.”
Not necessarily.
The appropriate dose can depend on the particular medicine, the condition being treated, the person’s age and other medicines or health factors.
A medicine that was appropriate for you previously may not be appropriate in the same way now.
Check the label or instructions each time, and ask a pharmacist or other qualified health professional if you are unsure.
2. “Taking more will make it work faster.”
More medicine does not automatically mean faster recovery.
Taking more than the recommended amount can increase the risk of harmful effects. This applies to prescription medicines as well as many medicines available without a prescription.
Follow the recommended dose. Never increase it simply because you want faster relief.
3. “Natural means completely safe.”
Natural products can still have effects on the body and can interact with medicines.
Herbal medicines and other supplements may interact with conventional medicines, which is why it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you are taking including herbal products and supplements.
Natural does not automatically mean risk-free.
4. “If I feel better, I can just stop taking it.”
This depends on the medicine.
Some medicines should not be stopped suddenly, while others may be taken for a specific prescribed duration. Stopping, changing or reducing a medicine without appropriate advice can sometimes cause problems.
If you want to stop or change a medicine, check with the healthcare professional who prescribed or recommended it.
For antibiotics, use them exactly as prescribed and do not save leftover antibiotics for another illness or give them to someone else.
5. “It worked for someone else, so it will work for me.”
Medicines are not one-size-fits-all.
A medicine prescribed or recommended for another person may not be appropriate for you, even if your symptoms appear similar. Different conditions, allergies, other medicines and individual health factors can affect what is safe and appropriate.
Do not share prescription medicines. Get advice about what is appropriate for you.
A simple medication-safety checklist
Before taking a medicine, make sure you know:
- What is this medicine for?
- How much should I take?
- How often should I take it?
- How long should I take it?
- Are there medicines, supplements or herbal products I should not combine with it?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- What side effects should I look out for?
- Who should I contact if I have questions?
If you are unsure about any of these, speak with a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.
Remember
Know. Check. Ask.
Taking medicines safely is part of taking care of your health. Don’t rely on assumptions when a simple question could help you use a medicine more safely.
VitaGuardia Wellbeing Foundation
Promoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing
Health information provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
Sources:
World Health Organization (WHO) – Medication Without Harm
https://www.who.int/initiatives/medication-without-harm
World Health Organization (WHO) – 5 Moments for Medication Safety
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-HIS-SDS-2019.4
World Health Organization (WHO) – Key Technical Issues of Herbal Medicines with Reference to Interaction with Other Medicines
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240019140