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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.
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