There are a few things you can do to reduce the chance of experiencing medicated related harm. Being informed about your medication is a great first step, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions about the medication you are on, it’s side effects and it’s purpose. It is likely that you will never experience these side effects but it is always good to know so you can keep an eye out for any changes. This is particularly helpful when beginning new types of medication.
It is also very important to make your doctor aware of any allergies you may have. Sometimes this is overlooked as people forget about inactive ingredients used in medication to create the capsule or add colour and taste. These include gelatin, egg, gluten and latex. Common active ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions are Penicillin, Antibiotics containing sulfonamides and some Chemotherapy drugs.
Another thing you can do is ask your doctor to give you a referral for a Home Medicines Review. This service is Government Funded for eligible patients and involves a pharmacist visiting you in the comfort of your own home to discuss the medication you are on. They will also discuss how and why they are being taken, how they should be stored as well as any side effects they may have. The pharmacist will then create a report which will be given to your doctor. This service can be particularly beneficial for those on five or more types of medication.