We need medication. Without it, people endure pain and sickness, they are unable to live a regular life, and in the worst cases, they could even die. Medication can also cause side effects and bad reactions. Mistakes in prescription or dosage can cause genuine harm.
If you want treatment to be effective, and to minimise potential hurt, you need to be aware of best practices when it comes to medication safety.

Consult a professional

It takes training, such as that offered by tidaltraining.co.uk/health-and-social-care-courses/safe-handling-medication-training, to learn about safe handling of medication. You should always consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on any new treatment or alternative therapy in case of contraindications, particularly if it may interact with previously prescribed drugs. If there is any change in your medical status, you should tell your provider.

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Medication list

It is helpful to maintain up-to-date and easily accessible lists of all your current medications, including purpose, dosage and frequency. This can be shared with medical professionals when necessary, and may also help you keep track of your own schedule.

Follow instructions and labels

You should always follow your provider’s instructions, including frequency, dosage and when to take in relation to food. It is also important to read any labels, which may include guidance on dosage, expiration dates, side effects and other dangers. This is part of the wider goal of educating yourself on the purpose and effects of your own prescription.

Safe storage and disposal

Storing medication safely generally means keeping it somewhere dry and cool, such as inside a cupboard or drawer (preferably lockable) where it will not be exposed to damp or direct sunlight. It also needs to be kept away from children and pets.

Once expired, medication should be disposed of properly to prevent misuse, preferably through a pharmacy or similar. Do not just throw away or wash down the sink.

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By following these steps, you can help ensure that your medication remains effective and does not cause harm to yourself or others. If you have any doubts about your medication, always discuss further with your doctor or another professional.