How do I keep my medicines safe?

Remember to keep all medicines in a secure place, out of the reach of small children. This includes:

• prescribed medicines from your doctor or other healthcare professional,
• over-the-counter medicines like painkillers, cold and flu remedies,
• creams and ointments,
• inhalers,
• contraceptive pills, and
• vitamins, herbal products, iron tablets or other supplements from the pharmacy, health shop or supermarket.

Always read the instructions before taking medicines

Medicines can sometimes have harmful effects if you don't take them properly. You should never share your prescription medicines with other people, even if they have similar symptoms to you.

A medicine that is good for you may not necessarily be good for someone else. Another person may have a different medical condition, may be taking other medicines or may be a different age. These factors can all affect the way the medicine works.

Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines to your local pharmacy

Your pharmacist will safely dispose of any medicines you don't need anymore. This helps to protect the environment, for example, by stopping medicines from getting into the water supply.

It also prevents other people getting hold of the medicines and experiencing harmful effects if they don't use them properly.

For more information on keeping your medicines safe, contact your local pharmacist.