Medicines treat health problems and help us live healthier lives. However, if used incorrectly, medicines can cause harm or even serious injury. Many of these problems can be prevented by understanding how to use medicines safely.

Follow these four (4) essential tips to avoid common medication mistakes and protect your health.

1. Ask Questions

Always talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about your medicines.
Knowing your medicines well helps you use them safely and confidently.

Ask:

• What is the name of the medicine?
• What is the active ingredient?
• What condition is it prescribed for?
• How much should I take, and when should I take it?
• What does it look like (shape, color, packaging)?
• When does it expire?
• What are the possible side effects or warnings?
• What should I do if I notice any unusual effects?
• Can I take it if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Are there any foods, drinks, or other medicines I should avoid?

💡 Tip: Never hesitate to ask. There are no “small” questions when it comes to your health.

2. Keep a Medicine List

Keeping a complete record of all the medicines you take helps your doctors protect you from interactions and duplication.

What to include:

• All prescription medicines
• All over-the-counter (OTC) products (like painkillers, cold medicines)
• Any vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies

Keep your list with you at all times and show it to your doctor or pharmacist at every visit.

3. Follow Directions Carefully

Your medicine works best when taken exactly as prescribed.

Do:

• Read the label and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
• Take the correct dose at the right time.
• Never skip doses or stop your medicine without medical advice.
• Always check the expiry date before use.

Avoid:

• ❌ Sharing your medicines with others.
• ❌ Taking medicine in the dark or without reading the label.
• ❌ Using expired medicines, they may be unsafe or ineffective.

🗣 Talk to your doctor before changing how you take your medicine.

4. Safely Store and Dispose of Medicines

Proper storage and disposal protect you, your family, and the environment.

Storage:

• Keep medicines in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
• Store them out of reach of children.
• Lock up strong or controlled medicines.

Disposal:

• Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused or expired medicines.
• Options include:
  • Community medicine take-back programs
  • Sealing in a bag with coffee grounds or cat litter before trash disposal
  • Flushing down the toilet only if the FDA (or local authority) recommends it
• Always remove your personal information from empty medicine bottles.

🗑️ Never throw loose medicines in open trash.

Getz Pharma’s Commitment to Safe Use of Medicine

At Getz Pharma, our Pharmacovigilance team works continuously to monitor and improve the safety of all our medicines.
We encourage patients and healthcare professionals to report any unwanted effects or concerns.

📞 Report an Adverse Event:
Email: [email protected]
Online: Adverse Event Reporting Form

(Adapted from the U.S. FDA’s “Use Medicines Wisely” publication)