Medicine Safety

Prescription medicines can be extremely useful when used correctly, but every medicine can also have risks.

Understanding how a medicine should be taken, what side effects to look out for and which substances can interact with it can help people use medicines more safely.

Take medicines as prescribed

Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor, pharmacist and the official patient information leaflet.

Do not:

  • Take more than prescribed
  • Take someone else’s prescription medicine
  • Give your medicine to another person
  • Change your dose without medical advice
  • Combine medicines specifically to increase their effects
  • Stop certain medicines suddenly without medical advice

Tell healthcare professionals about your medicines

Whenever you see a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or other healthcare professional, tell them about the medicines you take.

This should include:

  • Prescription medicines
  • Medicines bought from a pharmacy
  • Over-the-counter medicines
  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Herbal products
  • Other substances that may affect your health

Keeping an up-to-date list can help healthcare professionals identify potential interactions.

Medicines and alcohol

Some medicines can interact with alcohol.

Alcohol may increase drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination and other effects of medicines that affect the central nervous system.

Always check the official information for your medicine or ask a pharmacist before drinking alcohol while taking medication.

Medicines and driving

Some medicines can affect:

  • Alertness
  • Concentration
  • Reaction time
  • Coordination
  • Vision
  • Decision-making

Never drive or operate machinery if your medicine makes you feel sleepy, dizzy, confused or otherwise impaired.

Check the specific driving advice for your medicine.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping medication.

Some medicines can affect pregnancy, while suddenly stopping some medicines can also be harmful.

Never stop regular prescription medication without discussing it with a healthcare professional.

Breastfeeding

Some medicines can pass into breast milk.

If you are breastfeeding, check with your doctor, pharmacist or another appropriate healthcare professional before taking a medicine.

Dependence and withdrawal

Some medicines can cause physical dependence when used regularly.

Dependence is not necessarily the same as addiction.

Some medicines should not be stopped suddenly after regular use because withdrawal symptoms can occur.

If you are worried about dependence or stopping a medicine, speak with a healthcare professional.

If you take too much

If you think you have taken more medicine than prescribed, seek appropriate medical advice.

If someone is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, experiencing severe symptoms or cannot be properly awakened, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

Trusted information

For additional information, consult reliable sources such as the NHS, NICE, MHRA, BNF and the official patient information leaflet for your medicine.