Medicines play a major role in preventing and treating illnesses — but only if we use them wisely and safely.

Take the right medicine at the right time

It may seem obvious, but taking the right medicine at the right time and in the right amount is essential if your medicines are to work properly and as intended. It will also reduce your chances of having a medicine mishap that could lead to unpleasant side effects or even hospitalisation.

Follow the instructions

Make sure you understand and follow the instructions for taking each of your medicines. If you are unsure about any of the details, check with your pharmacist or GP. If you are worried you might forget the details, ask the GP or pharmacist to write them down for you.

Read the label

Before taking a medicine, check the medicine’s label. The label will tell you the medicine’s brand name and active ingredient, instructions for taking and storing the medicine, and any special instructions or warnings.

Have a medicines list

Taking the right medicine is easier when you ‘get to know your medicines’. Get to know your medicines by making a medicines list, or asking your pharmacist or GP to help you make one. The list should include:

• the name of each medicine and its active ingredient
• the strength of the medicine
• what the medicine is for
• how much you should take and when you should take it
• any special instructions.

If you are unsure about any of these details, check with your pharmacist or GP. 

Each time you are given a new medicine, ask your pharmacist or GP for the above details and add them to your medicines list so it is always up to date. Alternatively, ask your pharmacist or GP to update the list for you.

The National Prescribing Service has developed a medicines list that you, your GP or your pharmacist can fill in. The list can be ordered from the NPS website or by ringing 02 8217 8700.

Use a medication organiser

Medication organisers make it easier to remember to take your medicines. Click here for more information about medication organisers.

Think ahead to avoid running out

Try to keep track of how many repeat prescriptions you have left and how much of each medicine you have left, so there is plenty of time to go to your GP or pharmacist to replace them. That way you won’t run out of your medicines unexpectedly.

Have a Home Medicines Review

If you take several medicines, you may be eligible for a Home Medicines Review. This involves a specially trained pharmacist visiting you at home to check and discuss your medicines with you, and to give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The visit is free, and is organised with your GP, who receives a report afterwards. Talk to your pharmacist or GP if you want to find out more about having a Home Medicines Review.

Don’t share medicines

Sharing medicines with others may seem like a friendly thing to do, but it is unwise, and can be harmful.

Each of us handles medicines differently. When your doctor prescribes a medicine for you, they take into account all your health problems, as well as a host of other factors, such as your age, the other medicines you are taking, and the way your body has handled the medicine or similar medicines in the past.

If you give one of your medicines to another person, you may be giving them a medicine that interacts with their medicines, or one that makes their health problems worse.

When travelling with a friend or partner do not put their medication in the same pack as yours. Keeping them separate prevents confusion!

Get good information

If you are unsure about your medicines, don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist or GP for advice. Alternatively, you can ring NPS Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 to talk to a pharmacist who can answer any questions you may have. Sorting out such uncertainties may prevent a medicine mishap.

If you want more information about your medicines, ask your pharmacist for the medicine’s Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet, or download it from the National Prescribing Service website at www.nps.org.au/consumers.