Advice Listing

Tips for the safe, effective and rational use of medications

Anyone who is prescribed medications knows that at times questions arise as to the right way of taking them and how to properly comply with the treatment regimen. The pharmaceutical division at the ministry of health regards with great importance the rational use of medications and therefore has established the following easy to use and remember tips:

  1. Find out the name of the medication prescribed for you.
  2. Make sure you know when you have to take your medication, and whether it should be taken with or without. 
  3. Find out what condition your medication is prescribed for.
  4. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure about the medication you have received! At times the medication you receive will be replaced by a different brand with the same active ingredient (a generic drug).
  5. Read the label every time you take your medication and follow the instructions. If you are not sure – ask!
  6. Make sure to take your medication at regular hours, e.g. after brushing your teeth in the morning, unless otherwise instructed by your physician or pharmacist.
  7. Do not change the way you take your medication or stop using it without first consulting with your physician.
  8. Make sure to take the exact prescribed dose; do not take another dose (if for example you missed a dose) or less than the prescribed amount. Over dosing or missing a dose can affect the treatment's efficacy and or can harm you.
  9. Inform your physician and pharmacist about other medications or food supplements that you take.
  10. Find out which side effects might arise from the treatment with your medications.
  11. Do not drive if your medication causes dizziness or tiredness.
  12. Make sure not to accumulate drugs. Excess medications should be properly disposed of at your local pharmacy.  
  13. Do not store medications in your bathroom. Make sure your medications are stored according to the storage condition that appears on the medication's package or leaflet. Refrigerate if necessary and keep away from children.
  14. Make sure not to use a medication after its expiration date. If the expiration date is stated by month and year only – the expiry date refers to the last day of that month and year.