Safe medicine use at home: lists, labels and reporting side effects

1. Introduction

Medicines help millions of people, but no medicine is completely free of risk. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that medicines are safe when they are used as prescribed or as directed on the label, and that any medicine, vitamin or supplement carries some risk ^[1]. This article, written for patients and caregivers, sets out practical habits for using medicines safely at home. It is general education only. Your doctor decides your treatment.

2. Why medicine harm happens

An adverse drug event is harm caused by a medicine. It includes allergic reactions, side effects, taking too much (overmedication) and medication errors. The CDC reports that these events cause more than 1.5 million emergency department visits each year in the United States, and that they can be prevented ^[1].

The CDC adds that these events may become more common as new medicines appear, older medicines find new uses, the population ages and more medicines are used to treat and prevent disease ^[1].

Some groups need extra care. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that older adults often take more prescription and over-the-counter medicines, which raises the chance of side effects and interactions. Ageing can also change how the body handles medicines, because the liver and kidneys may work less efficiently, so a medicine that suited you for years may need to be reviewed later in life ^[2].

3. Keep one complete medicine list

Write down every medicine you use. Include over-the-counter products, vitamins and supplements. The FDA suggests noting the name, the amount and when you take it, and, for prescriptions, who prescribed it and why ^[2]. Update the list often and show it to every health professional, including dentists and physiotherapists. Keep one copy at home and one with you, for example in your wallet or phone ^[2]. Show it at every visit, so each professional sees the full picture. The CDC also advises making sure your doctor knows about each item on your list ^[1].

4. Read labels and follow directions

Read the label each time, because labels can be updated when new safety information appears ^[4]. A few habits help:

• Follow the label or the instructions from your doctor or pharmacist ^[1].
• Use a light and your glasses when reading small print, and ask if any wording is unclear ^[1].
• Some medicines are taken with meals or at set times such as bedtime. Timers or reminder apps can help ^[1].
• Keep up with any blood tests your doctor recommends ^[1].
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor before you take a medicine if the label instructions are not clear to you ^[1].
• Do not take medicine prescribed for someone else. It can cause unexpected reactions or worsen your own condition ^[2].
• Do not change a dose yourself, because doses are based on clinical testing ^[2].

Children

For children, the CDC advises measuring liquid medicines with the dosing device that comes with the product, never a household spoon, and never giving more than the package says. Check the active ingredients, which are the parts of a product that act on the body, so that you do not give two products that contain the same one ^[1]. If you do not have a dosing device, ask your pharmacist for one ^[1]. Explain to children what medicine is and why a trusted adult must give it to them ^[1].

5. Side effects that look like other problems

Some side effects, such as memory trouble, dizziness or sleepiness, can look like other health problems. The FDA suggests asking your provider whether a medicine could be causing a new symptom ^[2]. If a side effect bothers you, raise it rather than quietly stopping the medicine ^[2].

6. Reporting a side effect or product problem

MedWatch is the FDA's programme for reporting safety problems with medical products. It accepts reports from health professionals, patients and consumers. It covers prescription and over-the-counter medicines, medical devices, and some other products, and the FDA can publish safety alerts when appropriate ^[3]. Vaccines, tobacco products and animal products use different reporting routes, so check the MedWatch page for where to send those reports ^[3]. If you live outside the United States, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to report a suspected reaction where you live, and always tell your own doctor first.

7. Safe storage and questions

Keep medicines out of the sight and reach of young children, lock the safety cap, and put medicines back in their storage place after each use ^[1]. If you have questions about a medicine, ask your pharmacist or doctor ^{[1, 2]}. The FDA also has drug information pharmacists who help the public understand drug information ^[2].

8. When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you develop a rash, dizziness, stomach upset or any new symptom after starting a medicine, if you are unsure how to take it, or if you suspect you have taken the wrong medicine or too much. Do not skip doses or stop a prescription without asking your provider, even if you feel better ^[2].

In an emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in India, 911 in the United States). Seek urgent help for swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or collapse after taking a medicine.

9. Conclusion

Medicine safety rests on a few steady habits: a complete medicine list, careful label reading, the right measuring device, safe storage, and open conversations with your doctor and pharmacist. Side effects and product problems can be reported through safety programmes. Tell your doctor about every treatment you use, including traditional and herbal products.