Remember the 4Rs for Safe Medicine Use.

RIGHT
You have the right to know the details of medicines you are being given. Use it

RISK
Recognize that all medicines (prescription and nonprescription) have risks as well as benefits; and you need to weigh these risks and benefits carefully for every medicine you take.

RESPECT
Respect the power of your medicine andthe value of medicines properly used.

RESPONSIBILITY
Take responsibility for learning about how to take each medication safely. Being responsible also means following this imporatnat rule: when in doubt, ask first. Your healthcare professional can help you get the facts you need to use medicines correctly.

FOLLOW THESE USEFUL TIPS

• Maintain records of all your current medicines
• List the doubts and problems you have with the medicines and clarify them with your doctor or pharmacist
• List your medications according to the time schedules to avoid missing any. Show these time cards to your pharmacist or doctor. You can also keep separate containers for each timing but take care to retain original packaging.
• Report any unusual symptom that appears after medication and seek advice or treatment immediately.
• Confrim the names and dosages on the labels of your medication
• If you have been dispensed alternative preparations to your prescribed / usual medication confirm this with your doctor.
• Coated medicines should be swallowed whole. Confirm before crushing or cutting any medicines.
• Follow the advice given by your doctor regarding "before food" and after food" medication and whether any food substance needs to be avoided.
• Complete the entire course of medication and do not stop when symptoms disappear.
• Avoid over the counter medication. It may not be suitable with your regular medication, if any.
• Ask your doctor to reassess long - term treatments periodically
• Never use outdated medicine. Do not keep unwanted medicines with you.
• Never take someone else's medicine.
• Store medicine in the original wrapping aor container. Unwrapped ad loose medications may degrade and may get mixed up for lack of labeling.
• Store medicine away from the reach of childrean and in a cool dry and dark place. Never place dangerous substances close by.