In support of Ask About Medicines Week, running from 12th -18th October, which encourages people to ask their pharmacist about medicines, we are launching a campaign to encourage people to read, understand and follow their over the counter medicine label.

In a survey conducted by CHIC in the last month, parents were questioned how often they read their children's medicine labels, nearly all people (>99%) claimed to read the label. Yet one in ten said they would use an adult only medication on their child. This is echoed in a previous study in adults where most of us (>80%) claim to read our medicine label, at least the first time, we use it.

This news is very encouraging but do you read your label every time you use it? Different circumstances can mean different warnings apply to you or may even mean the medicine is no longer suitable for you. For example, some medicines you should not take during pregnancy or if you are taking other over the counter, prescription or even herbal medicines (e.g. Did you know that St. John's Wort reduces the efficacy of Emergency Hormonal Contraception? Or that you should not take an oral decongestant if you are suffering from high blood pressure?).

Dr Paul Stillman, CHIC spokesperson comments:
"Most people don't realise that the safe use of medicines can depend on things like whether you are taking other medicines or suffering from conditions such as high blood pressure or if they may be pregnant. Also as more research is done on medicines, new warnings may be added. Information on over the counter medicines is there to help people make sure they are taking the right amount of medicine for a safe length of time and in the right circumstances. 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. So even if you have used a medicine before it is important to read the label every time."

CHIC advise key information that you should always check before taking an over the counter medicine include:

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.

In conjunction, CHIC have produced a range of leaflets on topics such as cold & flu, indigestion, caring for kids to help people understand the different treatment options available for minor ailments. Call on CHIC telephone line 020 7761 1803 for more information.

For further information please contact:

For further information, contact Diane MacArthur on 0207 421 9314 or e-mail diane.macarthur@pagb.co.uk