Do you take over-the-counter medications every day? You need to remember these 10 rules in order to be safe

The therapeutic effect of drugs is largely dependent on whether they are taken properly. That is why the information in the package insert is so important. Adherence to its recommendations significantly reduces the risk of possible side effects.

Always read the package insert. Do not throw this leaflet away while you are taking or storing the medicine

The leaflet is a simplified set of information contained in the Summary of Product Characteristics, taking your safety into account. You should be familiar with them before taking the drug for the first time. You will find there, among others:

1. what the drug is and what it is used for;
2. information important before taking the drug (e.g. contraindications, precautions, interactions with food, alcohol and other drugs, warnings for special groups of recipients, especially children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and elderly patients;
3. how to use the drug;
4. possible side effects;
5. how to store the drug;
6. package contents and other information.

If in doubt about a drug (its dosage, side effects, possible interactions, and whether you can actually use the drug), you can always consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Check the composition of the drug and pay attention to the name of the active substance

You need to know that the active substance, i.e. the ingredient (one or more) of a medicinal product responsible for its pharmacological, immunological or metabolic effects, is not an advertised trade name. Medicines with different trade names may contain the same active ingredient. Most active substances have their own safety limit which must not be exceeded. Consequently, the use of medicines with different names containing the same active substances could lead to overdose. Remember: in terms of safe use, the composition of the drug is more important than the name.

Take the medicine in accordance with the dosage described in the leaflet (section 3 of this leaflet)

The dose of the drug is one of the many factors that contribute to the success of the treatment process. Therefore, check the size of the dose given on the package / leaflet and do not exceed the recommended maximum daily dose. For self-prescribed medications, remember that a tablet can only be halved if it is graduated. Otherwise, it is not known exactly what the dose of the drug substance is in the different halves and the treatment may be ineffective. Also remember the general rule to drink medications with water, preferably plain boiled – in the volume of one glass. Highly mineralized, it can change the action of the drug due to its content. Never take your medications down with carbonated drinks, milk, herbs or juices (especially grapefruit juice) – such a combination may pose a risk of adverse side effects.

If possible, also remember to take your medications at the same time. If you notice a missed dose within 1-2 hours, take the forgotten medications and take your next dose at its regular scheduled time. In case of a long time lapse, take the next dose of medication at the scheduled time. If your doctor has told you to take the drug 3 times a day, you must not take all the doses at once! Keep the dosing schedule. Failure to follow these rules may cause drug accumulation and increase the risk of side effects. If you miss doses frequently, talk to your doctor about it. Perhaps it will be possible to simplify the regimen of taking medications.

When buying drugs at the pharmacy, always inform the pharmacist about the symptoms you are experiencing and how long they last

Also tell about other medications and dietary supplements you have taken so far, chronic diseases, allergies and intolerances. This is extremely important as the success of therapy depends not only on adherence to the recommendations, but also on your body’s initial state. People with impaired kidney or liver function require a special approach. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

Check the expiry date on the package

Always check the expiry date before taking medicine, especially one that is taken sporadically and has been in your home medicine cabinet for a long time. Expired drugs cannot be taken. If the drug changes in some way – it becomes cloudy, changes its color or consistency, then even in spite of the proper expiry date, you should not take such a drug. All expired drugs should be returned to the pharmacy, where they will be safely destroyed. Remember – drugs are hazardous waste that can pose a chemical risk to the environment and other people.

Store all medications in a safe, cool place, out of the reach of children – ideally in a locked first aid kit

Most of the medicines we have at home should be kept at room temperature, ie 15-25 ° C. Relative humidity in such a place should not exceed 70%. For this reason, medications should not be kept in the kitchen or bathroom. Also, remember to protect your medications from sun exposure. Heat and humidity can cause a drug to lose its properties, which will lead to a lack of therapeutic effect from the drug. If, on the other hand, the manufacturer recommends keeping the drugs cool (information about it will be provided on the packaging or in the leaflet), it should be strictly adhered to in order to maintain the properties of the drug as long as possible. Remember, however, that the refrigerator door is not suitable due to temperature fluctuations caused by opening the refrigerator. However, do not put the drugs in the refrigerator unless it is stated in the leaflet or the package of the drug. Both too low and too high temperatures are unsuitable for drugs.

Store all medications in the original packaging with the leaflet attached

The packaging and the information leaflet attached to the medicine are important sources of knowledge about the medicine – they contain, among others, expiry date, trade name of the drug, name of the active substance and its dose, information on dosage, storage or side effects. Familiarize yourself with these materials and it’s best to just keep them. In case of doubt, you will always be able to look at them. When using liquid medicines, e.g. syrup, write the date of opening the bottle on the package, from which the use-by date will be counted.

Do not divide the tablet strip into smaller pieces as the expiry date is only printed in one place

The expiry date of the drug can be found not only on the outer packaging, e.g. the carton. It is also placed on the immediate packaging, e.g. a bottle or a blister. For this reason, you should not cut off a part of the blister with no tablets left – there is a risk that we will cut a piece with the date.

Do not take the medicine if you have suspicions about the outer packaging, inner packaging and the appearance of the medicine itself

A different font, color or type of packaging compared to the drug you have used before, and even more so, discoloration or delamination of the tablets may indicate that the quality of this drug has deteriorated and cannot be used due to the lack of safety assurance on its part. The above features may also indicate adulteration of drugs, which may also be particularly dangerous for us. Remember not to buy drugs from an unknown source – it is not worth risking your health for apparent savings.

Always report any side effects (both listed and not mentioned in this leaflet) to the doctor or directly to the Marketing Authorization Holder.

Each drug can cause side effects. They are listed in the package leaflet. If you observe them, immediately inform your doctor or pharmacist about it, and report these actions to the Marketing Authorization Holder and to the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products. In most cases, the side effects are mild and the therapeutic benefit outweighs the possible risk. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to modify the current treatment, treat the observed side effects or even discontinue the drug.

In the event of any side effects not specified in the leaflet attached to the medicine, report them also to the Marketing Authorization Holder and the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products. Notification to the Office can be made using the form available on the website, electronically, in a traditional way or via the free mobile application: Report adverse reaction | Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products (urpl.gov.pl); https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl/view-smz/login. Any representative of the medical profession (doctor, pharmacist) can help you with this. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of a medicine.