Consult your doctor before popping that ‘harmless’ pill
Medications are intended to make you better, but they can cause harm if they are used or stored improperly. Some side effects are mild, like an upset stomach, while others can be more serious, like liver damage. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Prescription medicines are issued only with a prescription (order) from your doctor, are dispensed by a pharmacist, and are available only from approved pharmacy.
- Using medications safely means knowing when they’re necessary and when they’re not. Always check with the doctor if you’re unsure whether symptoms require treatment with medication.
- Many Kenyans use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen, for pain, and do not realise that improper use of these medications can lead to kidney failure or gastrointestinal bleeding.
The most important step to medication safety is to educate yourself on the specific drugs you and your family are taking and the conditions they are intended to treat.
Medications are intended to make you better, but they can cause harm if they are used or stored improperly. Some side effects are mild, like an upset stomach, while others can be more serious, like liver damage.
Do you take a long list of drugs to manage serious health problems? Or do you simply reach for an over-the-counter medication from time to time? Either way, these safety tips are a good place to start.
To make medicine use safer...
Find out the name of your medication. Rather than simply letting your doctor write a prescription and send you on your way, be sure to ask the name of the medication
Ask questions about how to use the medication
Know what your medication is for because that way you are more likely to use it correctly, more likely to know what to expect from it, and better able to report what you are using and problems to your doctors and pharmacist
Read medicine labels and follow directions; know when to use it, how much to use, and how long to use it
Keep all of your health care providers informed about your medications and dietary supplements (including vitamins and herbals)
Keep the list of your medications with you at all times and let a loved one know. In an emergency, that person will be able to inform your doctors of the medications and dietary supplements you use
The DOs and DON’Ts
Take each medication exactly as it has been prescribed, and make sure all your doctors know all medications you are taking
Let your doctors know about any other over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements, or herbs that you use.
Try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, so that they can help you keep track of everything you’re taking
Keep medications out of the reach of children and pets
DON’T change your medication dose or schedule without consulting with your doctor.
DON’T use medication prescribed for someone else
DON’T crush or break pills unless your doctor instructs you to do so
DON’T use medication that has passed its expiration date
DON’T store your medications in locations that are unsecure, and ensure that the drugs are kept under the recommended temperature.
Ways medications are not used correctly
Improper use: happens when consumers do not understand or follow directions for taking medications, and often results in serious consequences. For example, many Kenyans use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen, for pain, and do not realise that improper use of these medications can lead to kidney failure or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Overuse: happens when too much or the wrong strength of a medication is taken. For example, most people do not benefit from taking antibiotics for colds and other respiratory problems, but prescriptions are given to patients for these conditions.
Underuse: happens when a prescribed medication is not taken when it should be. Skipping doses of a medication or taking the wrong medication can ultimately lead to hospitalisation or other serious consequences.
Categories of medicines
Medicines can be obtained in different ways depending on their classification — the two categories are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).
Prescription medicines are issued only with a prescription (order) from your doctor, are dispensed by a pharmacist, and are available only from approved pharmacy.
Only buy prescription medications from Pharmacy and Poisons Board-approved health facilities, and only if they have been prescribed to you by a reputable and duly registered health practitioner. Ensure you are only served by qualified personnel in these premises. All registered pharmacies have been issued with health safety codes and you can SMS the code to 21031 free of charge to verify the registration status of the outlet.
Sometimes you can choose between a generic medicine and a brand name medicine. Generic and brand name medicines work the same way, but generics usually cost less. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information about this.
Using medications safely means knowing when they’re necessary and when they’re not. Always check with the doctor if you’re unsure whether symptoms require treatment with medication.
If you have side effects or react to a drug, get in touch with your doctor immediately or call the Pharmacy and Poisons Board on 0720608811, or email the complaint at [email protected]. Alternatively, post it on our Facebook page, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, or tweet us @PPB Kenya
