Using Your Medication Safely

"If you take any kind of medication (medicine) it is important that you take care to use it properly and obtain all the information you can about it.

Medication affects different people in different ways and as people age the way their medication or its dosage affects them can also change. Incorrect dosage or mixing of medication can cause health problems such as confusion and disorientation."

The excerpt above is from the Age Concern New Zealand factsheet on "Using your Medication Safely" . It is very informative and contains a wealth of practical knowledge and assistance if you are taking any medication. Topics included on the sheet are the following:

visiting the doctor and chemist for information, with practical advice and tips, and suggestions for questions to ask
organising your medication including charts and medication holders
safe storage of medication, especially when younger children are around

The majority of medicines will have side effects. It is imperative that you are aware of these side effects and can discuss them with your GP or other health professional. Some medications can increase your risk of injury, in particular a fall. View our page on falls prevention for further information.

Websites of Interest

Medsafe is the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority. It is a business unit of the Ministry of Health and is the authority responsible for the regulation of therapeutic products in New Zealand. Medsafe is responsible for administering the Medicines Act 1981 and Regulations 1984, and parts of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and Regulations 1977. Their website holds information on medicines, data sheets, consumer medicine information, and discussion on 'hot topics'.

PHARMAC, is the Pharmaceutical Management Agency of New Zealand. Their website contains information on what Pharmac is, what they do and how they use the available funding to obtain the best value medicines for New Zealanders

MEDLINEplus, an American website, contains health information from the world's largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine. It has extensive information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources on over 650 diseases and conditions. There are is a medical encyclopedia and a medical dictionary, extensive information on prescription and nonprescription drugs, health information from the media, and links to thousands of clinical trials.

Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.

Website last updated 04/12/2008