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Why is it important
to read over-the-counter medicines label and leaflet
everytime?
Many of us do not realise that safe use
of medicines can depend on things like:
- Taking other medicines
- Suffering from conditions such as high blood pressure
- Pregnancy
Over-the-counter medicine label and patient
information leaflet will inform you of any situations
where you should not use the medicine. Also as more
research is done on medicines, new warnings may be added
that are relevant to you.
Parents in particular should pay attention to dosage
as this often changes with age and sometimes adult medicines
are not permitted for use in children.
Information on over-the-counter medicines is there
to help you make sure you are taking the right amount
of medicine for a safe length of time and in the right
circumstances. So even if you have used a medicine before
it is important to read the label every time.
Here are some handy tips to ensure you are making
the most of your over-the-counter medicine label and
information leaflet, and using you medicine safely and
effectively:
Handy tips on what information
on your over the counter medicine label and patient
information leaflet you should pay special attention
to
It is important that you read all that is written
on the label and patient information leaflet everytime
you use a medicine as your circumstances may have
changed (example: other medicines you are taking). This
can alter if the medicine is suitable for your use.
Here are some examples of key information you will find
and why it is important:
- Indication
- This tells you what symptoms or ailments the medicine
will help you with. For example, decongestant, cough,
heartburn, rash.
- Dosage
and Directions for Use
- It is important that you do not exceed the recommended
dose of medicine or take it more frequently than the
label states.
- Also remember to check that you do not exceed the
dose that should be taken over twenty-four hours.
If using the medicine on anyone under the age of 16
years, check the label carefully. You may have to
reduce the dose for different ages or in some cases
the medicine may not be permitted for use in children.
-
Warning Statements
- Warning statements are there to ensure you use
your medicine safely so make sure you take the time
to read them.
- Some medicines can cause drowsiness and warn you
not to drive or operate machinery. If you do have
to drive that day ask your pharmacist if a non-drowsy
medicine is available.
- Finally, the majority of medicines clearly state
‘If symptoms persist more than a few days consult
your doctor or your pharmacist’. It is very
important you follow this advice, if symptoms are
persisting longer than the recommended usage time
of your medicine it could reflect a bigger underlying
health problem so you must seek advice.
- Contra-indications / Do Not Take If:
- Contra-indications tell you if you cannot take this
medicine if you are taking another medicine or suffering
from a pre-existing condition or life-stage. For example
many medicine should not be used in people with diabetes
or during pregnancy. Some decongestants should not
be used if you are suffering from high blood pressure.
- Storage Conditions
/ Expiry Date
- Any special storage conditions will be stated on
the label. If you do not follow these your medicine
may become less effective
- Every medicine will state an expiry date. If you
use the medicine after this date you may not be getting
the full benefit of the medicine as the manufacturer
is no longer guaranteeing quality after this date.
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Do you feel confused when trying to understand an over
the counter medicine label or patient information leaflet?
The Consumer Health Information Leaflet dissects out
the different parts of your label and leaflet to explain
what it means and why it is important.
My over the counter medicine
label dissected
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Ask the experts
If you have a question you would like to ask our experts
or comments on this educational campaign email us on
info@pagb.co.uk
with 'Understanding Your label' written in the
subject heading.
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