Medicine advice: Almost 50 per cent of Irish people do not read the information leaflet contained with non-prescription medications before taking them.
Furthermore, only 30 per cent of those who take other medicines at the same time as non-prescription medicines check the label/box/bottle or with the pharmacist to see if it is appropriate to do so.
These are some of the findings of consumer research into Irish attitudes and behaviours to non-prescription medicines such as pain relievers, cold & flu medicine and indigestion remedies.
This research was highlighted yesterday at the launch of an Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) patient education campaign Ask About Your Medicines.
The campaign aims to encourage Irish people to take non-prescription medicines correctly. If not taken as recommended on the pack and in the leaflet, people may not get the best from their medicine, according to the organisations.
The campaign highlights a number of simple steps:
Read the instructions on the label, leaflet or packaging carefully and follow them;
Always take the correct dose;
Check the expiry date for the medicine;
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about your medicine;
Always tell your pharmacist if you are taking other medicines.
"There is a wealth of information available regarding taking non-prescription medications correctly, either directly from your pharmacist or on the packaging and in the information leaflet provided with the medicines and the campaign is urging people to utilise this information and ensure that they are taking their medicines correctly," said IPHA spokesman Brian Murphy.
"Our research identified that Irish people may not be getting the best from their non-prescription medicines, for example over a quarter of those surveyed don't read instructions contained on the label or box and 33 per cent of people don't check the outer packaging of non-prescription medicine for an expiry date," he added.
Pharmacists provide expert advice regarding medicines and anyone with a question about their non-prescription medicines should speak to their local pharmacist, Mr Murphy said.
"This campaign will reinforce the vital role played by pharmacists as the experts in medicines who ensure that patients get the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time and in the right way. By empowering patients to ask about and take responsibility for their medication, they are likely to get the required health benefit from their medicines," said Dr Karl Hilton, IPU president.
A free copy of the Ask About Your Medicines leaflet and Tips for Taking Medicines booklets can be collected at pharmacies or by writing to Ask About Your Medicines, 15 Fitzwilliam Quay, Dublin 4.