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Managing Medicines Safely

Taking medication correctly is just as important as the medicine itself. Follow our simple guide to ensure you and your family stay safe at home.

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The Golden Rules of Medicines Safety
Understanding your Medication
Managing Controlled Drugs Safely
Tips for Taking Medicine Correctly

The Golden Rules of Medicines Safety

Keep out of the reach of children: always store medicines in a high, locked cupboard away from children and pets.
Check the Date: Do not take expired medication; return to the pharmacy for disposal.
Original Packaging: Keep medicines in their original containers with the pharmacy label and patient information leaflet intact.
Safe Disposal: Do not flush medicines down the toilet or put them in the bin. Bring any unused or expired medication back to any pharmacy for safe clinical disposal.
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Get your medicines questions answered

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Not sure what your new prescription is for or worried about side effects? The NHS provides a comprehensive, expert guide to thousands of medications. Visit the website today.

NHS Medicines A-Z

Safety with Controlled Drugs

Controlled Medicines (such as morphine, certain tranquilizers, and stimulants) require extra care because they carry a higher risk of dependence (addiction) or harm if misused. To ensure patient safety and prevent illegal misuse, strict legal measures govern how these medicines are prescribed, supplied, and stored. Read on to make sure you act safely with these medicines.

Patient information leaflets: All licensed medicines come with a patient information leaflet. This gives information about what the medicine is for and how the medicine should be taken. You should follow the instructions your doctor has given you (as on the pharmacy label). If you have any queries, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Controlled medicines can affect the way that you react to situations and may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is against the law to drive if your ability is impaired. Do not drive when taking controlled drugs until you know how they will affect you and following any changes in dose. Check the patient information leaflet with your medicine for more information.
Use the medicine as directed on the label: Make sure you understand exactly how and when to take your medicines. Swallow tablets or capsules with a glass of water, unless otherwise stated. If possible stand or sit upright.
Store all medicines safely: Make sure they cannot be seen or reached by children or vulnerable adults. This may require the use of a lockable drawer or cabinet. 
Never share your medicines: Your medicines have been prescribed for you to take – nobody else. 
Disposal of medicines: medicines no longer required must be disposed of safely. This can be ensured by returning unwanted medicines to your Community Pharmacy.
Side effects: Some medications may have unwanted side effects. Many are minor, harmless or short-lived. Patient information leaflets will list reported side effects. This does not mean that you will experience these side effects. If you experience side effects that are particularly troublesome or persistent contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Prescriptions for controlled medicines will only be supplied for a maximum of 28 days at a time. As they cannot be supplied by the pharmacy without a prescription, please ensure that you request them from the surgery before they run out (maximum of 5 working days).

Tips for Taking Your Medicines

Right Time, Right Dose: Use a pill organiser (Dosette box) or set phone alerts if you struggle to remember your doses.
Always Read the Label: Some medicines need to be taken with food, while others must be taken on an empty stomach to work effectively.
Ask our Pharmacists: If you have trouble swallowing tablets or using an inhaler, we can offer advice or support with alternative formulations.
Order in plenty of time: order your repeat medicines from your practice seven days before they’re due.
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