What should you know about your medicines?

Knowing better about the medicines you are taking will help you reduce the risks and maximise the benefit of taking medicines. Follow these tips to maximise the benefit of your medication intake:

• The active ingredient name identifies the chemical in the medicine that produces the effect when taken. But, most medicines are sold under different brand names with different packaging by the manufacturer. So, you need to know that even if they are sold under different brand names and different packaging, medicines with the same active ingredients will work in the same way to produce the same effect.

• Make sure you take your medicine according to your doctor's instructions. Some medicines need to be taken simultaneously every day to keep a consistent dosage. Some medications are not permitted during pregnancy or lactation. In addition, some medicines should not be given to children or infants due to safety concerns. Medication instructions should be carefully followed. Store medications in a cool, dry location away from sunlight. Keep drugs out of your children's reach to prevent serious consequences.

• It is important to know the nature of medicines as many may interact with the food we consume. Therefore, always follow the doctor's advice before you take them.

• Always verify the expiry dates of your medicines when buying or taking them. You should not take expired or improperly maintained medications. Like most foods, drugs degrade over time, becoming less effective or unsafe to consume.

If you want to get better quickly, choose take your medicines cautiously.

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