There are a number of ways you can take special care to reduce the risk of problems.
- Know the names of your medicines, and what they look like.
- Record details of your medicines, including why you are using them, on a medicines list.
- Read the consumer medicine information (CMI) for your medicines (available on our Medicine Finder page or from your pharmacist or doctor) and keep this information handy for future reference.
- Ask your pharmacist for advice on medication organisers, such as ones you fill yourself each day or week, or blister packs (eg, Webster™ paks) filled by the pharmacist for a small fee. This will help you separate your medicines into groups for the days and times you need to take them.
- Take out-of-date or unused medicines to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Store medicines away from heat and damp because these conditions can damage most medicines. Do not store medicines in the bathroom or near a sink, or leave them in a car. Always keep medicines out of reach of children.
See your doctor regularly, or at least every 6 to 12 months, to have your medicines reviewed. Ask whether you should stop taking your medicines or change the dosage, and consider asking your doctor or pharmacist whether a Home Medicines Review would be useful to help you avoid problems with your medicines.
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