Medications are often required to improve your health;
for instance, to help lower blood pressure, cholesterol or
blood sugar. Other medications may be taken only when
needed for a specific ailment like pain, allergies or the
common cold. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are
medicines you can buy without a prescription from your
healthcare provider.
Prescriptions should be in child-proof bottles and
stored out of sight and reach of children. The main
source of childhood poisoning is medicine and it mostly
occurs in the home. The abuse of prescription medicines
is also a serious problem so securely storing medicines
can help prevent access by someone else.
Just as you would follow your doctor’s advice when
taking a prescription medicine, you need to know the
facts about how to take OTC medicines. Read the drug
facts label and talk with your pharmacist for assistance in
making the most appropriate choice to treat the ailment.
OTCs are meant to treat minor health problems. If
symptoms persist or worsen you should contact your
doctor.
It is important to sort through medicines at least once
or twice a year and safely dispose of the unused or
expired medicines. Check the expiration date for eye
drops and eardrops, too. Never throw unused or expired
medicine in the garbage or flush down the toilet or pour
them down the drain. Remember medicine is a hazard.
Unused or old medication should be returned to your
pharmacy or household hazardous waste depot for safe
disposal. Speak with your pharmacist if in doubt.
All medicines have risks as well as benefits. Risks can
result from an interaction between the medicine and
another medicine, supplement; food or alcohol; or the
medicine may not work as expected. Even if taken
correctly, medicines may cause side effects like
headache, dizziness or upset stomach. An allergic
reaction may occur resulting in hives or a rash; or a more
serious allergic reaction causing swelling of the lips,
narrowing of the throat, or difficulty breathing. Up to 1 in 9
hospitalizations in Canada result from adverse drug
reactions.
The WHO estimates that 50% of people do not take
their medicines correctly. Improper use of medicines can
cause a risk to your health and may include:
 Overuse – taking more than prescribed;
 Underuse – taking less than prescribed, missing or
skipping doses or failing to get a refill; or
 Taking medicines not prescribed for you.
Storing your medicines safely is as important as
taking them correctly. Many families store medicines in a
bathroom cabinet where the warmth and dampness can
cause medicines to break down and not work effectively.
Medicines should be stored in a cool, dry place away
from bright light and humidity. They should also be
stored in their original containers or packaging to prevent
confusion and also to locate in an emergency. Do not
combine old pills with new pills as you won’t be able to
tell the difference or know the expiration date.
Keep an up-to-date record of all your medications,
including prescription, non-prescription, vitamins, and
herbal supplements to help you manage your health
safely. This information helps your doctor determine the
effectiveness of your treatment plan and make changes if
necessary. Keep this list with you at all times and share
it with your healthcare team. It is up to you to know this
information. The Know your Medicine booklet provides
tools and information on how to use medicines safely.
Remember the 3 R’s for safe medication use from the
Center for Improving Medication Management & the
National Council on Patient Information and Education:
 All medicines, prescription and non-prescription,
have RISKS as well as benefits. You need to weigh
these risks and benefits carefully for every medicine
you take.
 RESPECT the power of your medicine and the
value of medicines properly used.
 Take RESPONSIBILITY for learning about how to
take your medication safely.
It is important to talk to your family about the power of
medicines and be knowledgeable about what you are
taking. Know your medications and how to best promote
their safe use. To manage your medicines safely, a
medication safety checklist is available at the Public
Health Agency of Canada.
Sources: Canada Safety Council, The Public Health Agency of Canada,
Medicine Safety - A Toolkit for Families, Canadian Patient Safety Institute